Winifred A. Helus   (1929-2022)

Winifred A. Helus died on Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2022. Mrs. Helus was born on Jan. 9, 1929, to Emil and Helen Krizek Kyler. Although their official address was Black Wolf, Kan., she was born at her paternal grandparent’s farm northeast of Ellsworth, Kan.

Mrs. Helus graduated from Ellsworth High School in 1947. On June 12, 1948, she was united in marriage to Paul Helus at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Ellsworth. In 1949 they moved to Salina, Kan. where they lived for 18 years. In 1966 they moved to Topeka, Kan., when Paul’s job transferred him. Winifred first worked for a law firm in Ellsworth and then again in Salina. She was a stay at home mom until 1979 when she went to work in the business office at Washburn University. She retired from there in 1992.

Winifred and Paul had three children: Kevin, Dee Ann and Scott, all born in Salina. 
Winifred and Paul were of Czech descent and became interested in tracing their roots after retirement and researched their families back to the early 1700’s. They belonged to the historical societies in Ellsworth, Salina and Topeka. They also belonged to the Czech Genealogical Society International. 
Paul preceded her in death in November 2014.

Winifred is survived by her son, Kevin (wife Debbie deceased) of Topeka, and their children, Kelsey of Gardner, Kan. and Corey and his wife, Meredith, and their child, Nash of Olathe, Kan.; her daughter, Dee Ann of Overland Park, Kan.; and son, Scott and his wife, Dena and their children, Carl, Sarah and Ben of Clinton, Tenn. She is also survived by step-children and step-grandchildren, Terry Brooks and his wife, Ashley of Crescent, Okla, and their three children Mattie Sioux of Dallas, Texas, Kealie and Emerie, Crescent, Okla.; Lacy Beasley and husband, Dave and their two children Kian and Macen, Topeka.

Inurnment will be at the West Cemetery in Ellsworth at a later date. She, along with Paul, will be buried next to her grandparents, John and Frances Nikodym Kyler.

Memorial contributions may be made in Winifred and Paul’s names to the Salvation Army, Topeka Rescue Mission, or Helping Hands Humane Society, all in Topeka.
To leave a message for Wini’s family, please visit www.PenwellGabelTopeka.com.