DENVER, Colo. — Helen Viola Johnson, 100, of Denver, Colo. passed away on Dec. 13th, 2020. Helen was born Oct. 12, 1920 to Joseph and Viola (Grout) Pancake, at their home near Atwood, Kan.
As a child, Helen attended a one room country school house in Rawlins County before attending college in Hays and receiving her teaching certificate. Helen taught in Jerome and Benkelman, Kan., where she met her future husband Kermit Johnson.
Helen and Kermit were united in marriage on May 29, 1943 in Colby, Kan. They enjoyed 53 years of marriage. Helen and Kermit farmed in Gove County, where they raised their six children. As the children grew, Helen became very active in her church and community. She taught Sunday School, worked in the local library, was active in the Clothilda Women’s Club and other community gatherings such as square dancing, card parties and her children’s 4-H and sports. Kermit preceded her in death on May 13, 1996.
Helen spent the next several years moving to the communities of each of her children, becoming immersed in the activities of their lives. She later settled in Denver where she married Jack Kent in 2005. He preceded her in death in 2010.
Helen celebrated her 100th birthday in October with family and friends in pandemic style, via Zoom.
After 100 years of living and loving, Helen leaves a legacy of love and faithfulness. Witnessing for the Lord brought Helen great joy. Her Christian faith was the most important thing in her life. She was a woman of strength and dependability, who loved the Lord and her family deeply.
She is survived by brother, Warren Pancake of Dayville, Ore.; daughter, Rose Castle, of Denver, Colo.; Bill Johnson (Darlene) of Berthoud, Colo.; Don Johnson (Donna) of Lawrence, Kan.; Andy Johnson (Debi) of Grand Junction, Colo.; Steve Johnson (Jil) of Great Bend, Kan. and Walter Johnson (Georgia) Healy, Kan.; grandchildren, Tami, Teri, Stacey, Kelli, Josh, Matt, Zach, Larissa, Travis, Troy, Lyndsee, Mitch, Mark, Luke, plus 24 great grandchildren and six great, great grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by her parents; six siblings; grandson Clint Johnson; and infant grandson Christopher Johnson.
A graveside service was held Friday, Dec. 18, 2020 at the Gove Cemetery. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorials may be given to the Windsor Gardens Community Church in care of Kennedy-Koster Funeral Home, P.O. Box 221 Oakley, KS 67748.
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Dec. 20, 2020
