It is with heavy hearts that we announce the death of Carol Ann Helzer, a beloved wife, mother and grandmother. Carol was a pillar of strength and love in the lives of those who were fortunate enough to know her. Carol Ann Helzer, one of three children of Archie Boyd and Wilma Delorise Jones, was born on July 21,1944, in Superior, Nebraska. Carol passed from this earthly life on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, at the Glen Carr House Memory Care Center in Derby, Kansas. Carol was 79 years old when she went to be with our Lord.
Carol was raised on the family farm 8 miles north of Nelson, Nebraska. She attended Fairbury Junior College and Kearney State College and earned an associate degree in teaching before serving as a third grade teacher in Fairfield, Nebraska. In the summer of 1959, she met the love of her life, Dickie Albert Helzer, when serving lunch in the wheat field. Dickie and Carol were married in 1965 and celebrated their 58 year wedding anniversary in 2023. During that time, they lived in many states including Nebraska, New Mexico, California, Texas and Kansas.
It was in Derby, Kansas, where they raised their two sons, Ronnie and Roger. Carol stayed home with her boys until they were old enough to attend elementary school when she went to work at the same school, Pleasantview Elementary. Carol worked in various jobs including a teacher and bank teller before dedicating more than 30 years to US Civil Service. Carol excelled in serving military personnel and families retiring in Civilian Personnel as a GS-13. After retirement, Carol stayed busy attending church activities, helping to tend to the many horses on their farm in Rose Hill, and dedicated time to entertaining friends and family. She was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary.
Carol was "Grandma" to five grandchildren: Lauren, Regan, John, Jaxon, and Dane. She loved them all so much and spoiled them every chance she got. She attended the Faith Lutheran Church where she was active in the Altar Guild and was helping with the chicken noodle dinners. Carol will be missed not only by her family and friends but by her community. She was loved by all. Her smile and laughter will be missed for sure.
Her funeral will be at 1 p.m. at Faith Lutheran Church in Derby, Kansas, on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023, followed by graveside service at Hillcrest Cemetery, Derby.
Preceding her in death were her parents and her brother, Jon R. Jones. Carol is survived by her loving husband, Dickie; two sons, Ronnie Helzer and wife, Brooke, and their children, Regan and Dane, from Knoxville, Tennessee; Roger Helzer and wife, Holly, and their children, Lauren and husband, Christian Stemm from Chicago, Illinois, John, and Jaxon from Edmond, Oklahoma. Gwen Porter and her husband, Richard of Wahoo, Nebraska. Phillip Porter of Lincoln, Nebraska, Megan, Brooke, Julia, and Amber Porter of Wahoo, Nebraska, and Katie Leigh of Osage Beach, Missouri; Aunt Betty Corman of Edgar, Nebraska; along with many cousins and friends.
In lieu of flowers, the memorial contributions can be sent to:
Faith Lutheran School, Derby, Kansas, Traditions Hospice of Wichita, Kansas or The Glen Carr House, Derby, Kansas.
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