Helen Helsel (96) of Bolivar, Missouri went to be with Jesus at 1:05AM November 8^th, 2025. Helen was surrounded by her family at her daughter, Darla’s, home in Kansas City, Missouri at the time of her passing. Helen was born November 12^th, 1928, in Polk, Missouri. Helen was saved at 12 years old at the Adonis Church. Her family later moved to California and then Arizona, for work during the Depression. Helen stayed in Arizona for a time before moving to Kansas City, Missouri, where she worked at Hallmark Cards. She met and married Larry Helsel of Kansas City, February 1^st, 1951. They had four daughters; Brenda, Linda, Darla, and Karen before divorcing in 1965, but remained friends. Helen moved the family back to the Polk County area, raising her girls with independence and grace. Helen worked at Teter’s Floral Products in Bolivar, Missouri for 15+ years.

Her friends and family will remember her as a woman of faith and family. Helen was kind, strong, humorous, generous, and spunky. She enjoyed her home and yard work well into her 90’s. She loved listening to gospel music, shopping, and spending time with her large family.

Preceding her in death were her parents: Cora and Walter Craddick. Helen leaves behind her 4 daughters: Brenda Jo (Greg-deceased) Perry, Linda Darlene Richardson, Darla Michelle Barger, Karen Renee (Gene) Gabriele; and 7 grandchildren: Charity (Randy) Stauffacher, Ryan (Dawn) Richardson, Lacy (Josh) Rueff, Matt (Kate)Barger, Tiffany (Adam) Massey, Morgan (Mike) Jennings, Jarret (Mackenzie) Gabriele; and 3 great grandchild: Ever Richardson, Knox Richardson, and Petra Rueff.

Please join us celebrating her life Tuesday afternoon, November 11^th 2025. Visitation will start at 1:00PM and will be held at Pitt’s Chapel of Greenlawn Funeral Homes, 316 E. Broadway St.  Bolivar, MO. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 PM with interment at Greenwood Cemetery, Bolivar, MO.

Helen (‘Mommy’, ‘Grammy’, ‘GG’) will be greatly missed by her friends and family.