Winifred Helsel, age 93, of South Haven, KS, passed away early Tuesday morning, January 26, 2010 at the Golden Living Center in Wellington, KS. She was a homemaker, librarian, kindergarten teacher and substitute teacher, and a secretary/bookkeeper for 18 years for the school system in South Haven, KS. She retired in 1980.

Winifred (Byers) Helsel was born on February 9, 1916 on a farm South of South Haven, KS to Frank and Ethel (Wells)Byers. She attended school in South Haven and graduated from high school in 1934. She attended Emporia State University, Pittsburg State University, and Kansas State University.

Winifred Byers taught school in the rural schools before marrying Jay E. Helsel on March 8, 1942 at the Methodist Church in South Haven, KS. He preceded her in death on December 16, 1990.

She was active in her church where she enjoyed teaching Sunday School and Bible School. She was a life member of the P.T.A., past president of the Y.W.C.A., and a former school board member.

Winifred is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jay; and three sisters, Mary Louise Byers, Ruth Byers Miller and Jeraldine Byers Kasha.

Survivors include her three sons, Allan Helsel and his wife Kathryn of South Haven, KS, Stephen Helsel and his wife Vicki of Lawrence, KS, and John Helsel and his wife Etta of Sharon Springs, KS; one brother, John C. Byers of Wichita, KS; two sisters, Vivian Wasser of Wichita, KS and Christine Hunsinger of Little River, KS; and three grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be held on Monday, February 1, 2010 at 11:00 A.M. at the United Methodist Church in South Haven, KS. Pastor Russell McAlister will officiate at the service. Interment will follow the service at Rose Hill Cemetery.

Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Sunday, January 30, 2010 from 1:00 – 8:00 P.M. The casket will remain closed.

A memorial has been established with the Wellington Food Bank. Contributions can be left at the funeral home.

Frank Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.