Helen Marie Hartshorn

Helen Marie Hartshorn, 90, of Wichita, KS, passed away on Sunday, June 18, 2023, at Wesley Medical Center.

Family will meet with friends on Saturday, June 24, 2023, at Dengel & Son Mortuary, Ottawa Chapel.

Visitation will be held at 9:00 a.m. followed by funeral services at 10:00 a.m.

Interment Highland Cemetery in Ottawa.

Helen was born Friday, July 8, 1932, in Ottawa, Kansas, the daughter of Enor and Beulah (Richardson) Olson.

She first graduated from eighth grade at a country grade school, then Garnett High School and Ottawa University; she later attended Wichita State and then graduated from Friends University with her master’s degree in education. She loved school so much, she then completed 69+ credit hours post-masters.

On June 28, 1953, Helen was united in marriage with S. James “Jim” Hartshorn in Garnett, Kansas. He preceded her in death on May 4, 2018.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; son, Michael James Hartshorn; and seven siblings.

Helen is survived by her daughter, Debbie Phillips of Augusta, Kansas; sister, Margaret Lankard of Garnett, Kansas; grandchildren Michael Hartshorn, Rachel Hartshorn, Cody Phillips and his wife, Abby, Casey Phillips and his wife, Miranda, Courtney and Carley Phillips; great grandchildren, Jordon, Jaydon, Sofia, Peyton, Aaron, Aaliyah, Preslee, Clutch, Colton, and many other family members.

Helen was a teacher, working in the Wichita area from 1971 until 2001. After retiring, she volunteered in Courtney and Carley’s elementary school in Augusta, Kansas and taught there for one year.

She was a devote Christian woman who loved the Lord. She enjoyed attending church with her family and continued to do so until the end of her life--making many friends along the way.

Helen’s greatest enjoyment was watching and participating in activities with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. It was a rarity to see her without one of them in tow. Some of her favorite past times included ice cream and dinner dates, nail appointments, and many days of shopping with all the grandkids. Helen visited the Sedgwick County Zoo with her grands every year for many years.

She will be dearly missed by her family and friends.

Family and friends are encouraged to post their condolences and memories on Helen’s Tribute Wall at www.dengelmortuary.com