Helen P. Diamond

Helen P. Diamond, 99, of Ottawa, passed away Wednesday, January 9, 2019, at Wellsville Retirement Community. Graveside service will be held at 2:00 P.M., Tuesday, January 15, 2019, at Highland Cemetery, Ottawa. Helen was born November 24, 1919, in Vickers, Virginia, the daughter of James A. and Hester Ann (Chrisman) Hawley. She moved to Centropolis, Kansas with her family at the age of fourteen and into Ottawa, at the age of twenty. She attended school at Centropolis. Helen was united in marriage to Gilford Arnold “Jr.” Diamond August 28, 1960 at Ottawa. He preceded her in death on May 30, 2000. She was also preceded in death by her parents, James and Hester Hawley; brothers, Leslie Hawley and Allen Hawley; and sisters, Louise Cohen, Gay Burgess and Merle Pease. Survivors include two nephews, Don Hawley of Lawrence, and Larry Hawley of Wellsville; and niece, Leslie Meadows of Virginia. Helen was a homemaker also working thirty-five years at H.D. Lee, formerly known as Bruce’s in Ottawa, retiring in 1962. She was a Baptist and a former member of the Ottawa Lodge 803, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks in Ottawa. Helen enjoyed a long and rewarding marriage to Junior. Having no children of their own, she was blessed by her brother Allen’s step children, Jim Fivian and his wife Linda, Nancy (Fivian) Matejcek and her husband Bob, plus their wonderful children. Helen also developed a close bond with Junior’s sisters. The last years of her life were spent at Wellsville Retirement Community, where she found a wonderful staff. They sent her to watch the taping of her favorite television personality Jerry Springer (her trip of a lifetime). She made many friends at the retirement home, especially Marty Buchmeier who watched over her to the end of her life. The visits of close friends like Ronnie Johnson that would stop by to spend time with her meant so much. Throughout her life she enjoyed flowers, her animals, family and friends. The family suggests memorial contributions to Good Shepherd Hospice c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067. Family and friends are encouraged to post their condolences and memories on Helen’s Tribute Wall at www.dengelmortuary.com