Lydia M. Helms

Lydia M. Helms, 97, Linn, died Wednesday, December 16, 2015 at the Linn Community Nursing Home. The family received friends Friday, December 18, at the Ward Funeral Home in Linn from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. A Celebration of Life service was 10 a.m. Saturday, December 19 at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, Linn. Rev. Richard Rikli officiated. Barb Ruhnke was organist and Que and Michelle Meyer sang “How Great Thou Art.” The congregation sang “I know My Faith is Founded,” “Hark! The Herald Angels” and “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.” Honorary Pallbearers were Robert Miller, Joshua Helms, Jason Helms, Nicolaus Helms, Clinton Helms, Eric Helms and Nathan Helms. Burial was in Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery. Lydia was born to Johann and Lydia (Frese) Von Lehe at Clifton on April 2, 1918. She was united in marriage to Wilbert Helms on April 21, 1940 at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, Linn. Lydia was a farm wife and homemaker while raising her family. She worked as a nurse’s aide at the Washington County Hospital for ten years and taught sewing for the 4-H Club in Palmer. Lydia was very active in her church, singing with the choir, belonging to the Ladies Aide group and the LWML. In her spare time, she enjoyed sewing, quilting, canning, gardening, flowers and watching birds. Preceding her in death were her husband, Wilbert in 2009; her parents; brothers, Emil Von Lehe, Erwin Von Lehe, Rudolph Von Lehe, Herbert Von Lehe; sisters, Lizette Stolp, Alice Bisping and Theodora Beikmann. Her survivors include sons, Gene Helms, Linn, Roger (Alice) Helms, Palmer; daughter, Anita (Bob) Miller, Sun Lakes, AZ; brother-in-law, Vernon Helms; fifteen grandchildren and thirty- one great grandchildren. A memorial fund is established in her name and will be designated by the family. Contributions may be sent in care of Ward Funeral Home, PO Box 157, Washington, KS 66968. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Lydia M. Helms, please visit our flower store.