Juanita Marie Helsel

Juanita Marie Helsel

October 28, 1929 – August 4, 2024

On August 4, 2024, Juanita Marie Helsel, was freed of her earthly bounds after 94 years, and joined the love of her life, Richard Helsel, in heaven.

Born in Gove, Kansas, on October 28, 1929, Juanita has been given credit for The Great Crash the next day (or rather blame?). She was of tough Kansas stock. Her mother, Vera Smith Wyatt, died when Juanita was 3 and her dad, Uriah Wyatt, died when she was 15. She became a foster daughter to Jess and Opal Lee.

The day after Juanita graduated from Monument High School, in Monument, KS, she boarded a bus to attend nurses training. Cleo Greenstreet was one of her patients during Juanita’s training. Cleo introduced Juanita to Cleo’s nephew, Richard Helsel. They corresponded for several months before meeting on the dance floor in Oakley, KS, during a snowstorm. Their marriage endured for 59 years until Rich left to join his Father in heaven.

Nita was involved in her community serving as a Den Mother, Band Parents president, and for 42 years as a member of the hospital auxiliary. She was a member of the Epsilon Sigma Alpha sorority (ESA), PEO, and Red Hat Society. She started and ran a “Glass Slipper” program to accept the donation of prom dresses which were then given to local young women allowing them to attend their schools’ proms. She was recognized with a La Junta Sunshine Award. Her business, Keepsake Flowers, dried flowers and wedding bouquets. She also operated a day care in her home for many years.

Juanita is survived by her son, Curtis (Shelley) Helsel and twin daughters, Sandra and Susan; grandson, Jake Hofmann; granddaughter, Molly Helsel and great-granddaughter, Jaci Helsel. Juanita was preceded in death by her husband Rich, in 2008, and her parents.

A memorial service will be Friday, September 27, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at Peacock Memorial Chapel. Private family inurnment will be at a later date.

The family requests memorial donations to be made to a charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be made at www.PeacockFH.com. Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.