Lois Darlene Helm, 86, Lawrence, passed away on April 4th, 2024, in her home. A visitation will be held Friday, April 12th from 5pm to 6:30pm at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. Following the visitation, the family welcomes all friends and family back to the Helm residence to gather for stories & an evening of remembrance.
Lois was born on March 15th, 1938, in Lawrence, KS and is the daughter of Harry & Elizabeth (Lamb) Bouton. She graduated from Lawrence High School in 1955. That same year, Lois married the love of her life Odis “Lee” Helm on March 26th. Following high school, she worked at John Haddock Ford, but most of her career was spent at Curtis 1000 & Capitol Federal, all in Lawrence. After retiring, she longed for something more. She spent many years loving kids when she opened Lolo’s Daycare.
She was an animal lover, especially dogs. In her younger days, she was a member of Knights of Columbus and Eagles Lodge. She enjoyed camping with friends & loved ones and enjoyed a night on the town going dancing with her husband at the Shiloh Club. Lois enjoyed fishing, painting ceramics, crocheting & needlepoint. She was a life-long night owl who used to stay up into the wee hours playing Pinocle & Pitch with her siblings. She had a fondness for filling up carts while shopping and could often be heard hooting and hollering over Kansas Basketball rooting for the Jayhawks. She loved her family fiercely and had a great fondness for all her grandkids.
Lois was preceded in death by her siblings Edwin Bouton, Sara Ruth (Bouton) Davenport, Joan (Bouton) Peavler, Daryl Bouton and her son Larry Helm.
She is survived by her husband of 69 years, Odis “Lee” Helm of the home, her daughter Lori Petrie (Matt Schmidt) of Baldwin City, Granddaughters Kari (Ken) Brungardt of Lawrence, Amanda (Kyle) Davis of Lawrence, Grandson Brandon (Chandler O’Neal) Schmidt of Baldwin City. Great-grandchildren Faythe Brungardt (Henry Peal), Jackson Brungardt (Brooklyn), Brayden “Bray” Ballew, Lawson Brungardt, Cohen Davis, Nash Davis, Bowie Fuller. Great-Great grandchildren Kenzleigh Brungardt, Lily Peal, James Brungardt, along with many nieces & nephews and a large extended family.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions may be made in Lois name to Douglas County VNA Hospice, Alzheimer’s Association or Baby Jay’s Legacy of Hope.
The family encourages all to come casually or in your favorite KU Jayhawks gear.
So sorry to hear of Lois’ passing. She & Lee were our neighbors for sometime. Lois always had a kind word and was a lot of fun.
Rest in peace.
Sorry to hear about Lois
Enjoyed spending time with Lois and Lee when I was growing up
How lucky Lois and we all were so lucky to grow up in Lawrence that not only had a great college but the feel of a typical small community. My VP condolences to all who were in Lois’s life
I share my deepest condolences with all of the family and friends of Lois. As a 1955 classmate of Lois, I have only good thoughts and experiences of time with her. Sports, games, dances, classes, reunions all, she was invariably kind, capable and fun to be with. She will be missed. Eugenia Leasure Bryan
Lori and Lee we are sure Lois will be missed. We bowled, danced at the Eagles.We are sorry for your loss.
Your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Lois such a wonderful person! Deepest condolences- Mary Jo and Mike Sedlacek
To the Family of Lois Helm praying for you all. Love you all
I am sorry to hear of Lois passing away. I worked with her at Curtis for many years. She was a great lady. I will always remember the good times and laughs we had together. May the lord be with you all. Marge Waller
So sorry to hear of Lois’s passing. Our condolence’s are with the family. Lois was such a great person. She will be missed.
LORI and Lee I. am so sorry to hear about your Mom’s passing. She was such a sweet lady. We knew your Mom and Dad a long long time. I missed you at work yesterday
Lois and Lee were my neighbors when I was little. They were newly married with no children so my younger brother and I were treated like their own. They were both the sweetest kindest people. Lois always had a smile and a kind word. I’m so sorry for your loss.