Helen Elizabeth Barkis

Obituary of Helen Elizabeth Barkis

Helen Elizabeth Barkis, age 88, of Paola, Kansas died Friday, October 7, 2011. Helen was born August 7, 1923 in Paola to Dwight and Sadie Bryan. She graduated from Paola High School in the class of 1942.

In 1943, Helen married Lloyd Barkis, also of Paola. Helen and Lloyd raised their three daughters on their farm outside of Spring Hill. In this community, she was involved in many organizations including the Spring Hill Methodist Church. In 1974, she and Lloyd returned to Paola where they became active in this community, including membership in the Paola Country Club and the First Presbyterian Church.

Helen was a devoted wife, loving mother, and a friend to many. She will be remembered by her wide circle of friends and family for her vibrant personality, her sense of spirit, and her zest for life. Helen was always ready to try something new, loved to entertain, and was the ultimate hostess.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband, parents, brothers Norris and Kenneth Bryan, and infant son Steven. She is survived by her three daughters: Martha Kuder and husband Kenny of Paola, Kansas; Mary Johnson and husband David of San Diego, California; and Lloya Fritz and husband Don of Lincoln, Nebraska; six grandchildren Jeff Moreland, Jennifer Moreland Foster, Bryan Johnson, Todd Johnson, Tyler Fritz, and Kara Fritz; and four great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 11 at the United Methodist Church in Spring Hill, followed by burial in Wagstaff Cemetery. In state after 1 p.m. on Monday, October 10th at Eddy-Birchard Funeral Home in Osawatomie, where family will be receiving friends from 5 to 8 p.m. Memorials may be made to Life Care Center of Osawatomie, where Helen received such loving care in her final three years. Memorials may be sent to Eddy-Birchard Funeral Home, 203 Main, P.O. Box 430, Osawatomie, Kansas 66064. On-line remembrances at www.eddybirchard.com.