Helen Catherine (Wilson) Goebel's Obituary
Helen Catherine (Wilson) Goebel, surrounded by her family passed away on Jan 30, 2015 at Deseret Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Yates Center, KS; she was 88 years old.
Helen was born on Oct. 25, 1926 in Rural Yates Center, KS; the daughter of Frederick and Jesse (Morehead) Wilson. She was raised in Woodson County, and attended country schools until her graduation from Yates Center High School. After high school Helen attended Chanute Junior College to earn her teacher's certification. She then taught school for two years. She later drove the school bus for Durand Country School for a number of years. On May 1, 1947 in Iola, KS she was united in marriage to Walter Frederick Goebel. The couple was blessed with their children: Steven and Mary.
The couple operated Hilltop Farm since 1959, raising Angus cattle as well as different crops such as corn, soy beans, milo and prairie hay. Walter preceded Helen in death in 1998 and she remained on the farm until shortly before her death, continuing to farm and raise cattle. Helen also worked at the Yates Center Nursing Home as a cook for 25 years until her retirement at the age of 83.
Being a part of the Yates Center community was important to Helen and she was involved with several organizations and events around town. She was a member of the United Methodist Church, the Woodson County Extension Units- Star Valley, Woodson County Cooperative Association, and the Woodson County Soil Conservation District. Also, she served as a 4-H Leader and Councilwoman for the Durand Busy Bee’s 4-H Club. The Extension Units held many blood drives and Helen faithfully participated and helped with most of these, they also had much to do with the set-up and judging of foods at the annual Woodson County Fair.
Although Helen's greatest passion was for her cattle and crops, she also loved being around her family. Working cattle wasn't a chore for her, she took great pride in ensuring anything she owned was healthy and kept with the best possible care. Keeping her crops healthy was a priority for her; she was awarded the Woodson County Soil Conservationist of the year in 2008 and received recognition for her conservation plans on her grazed land unit. After all the work was done, she was usually found in the kitchen of her home preparing delicious meals for her family to enjoy; she was a wonderful cook and if there was something particular you liked, most likely Helen would make it for you. Gathering around the table enjoying each other was just as important as gathering around the corral or piling in the pick-up to go feed; anything on the farm, Helen enjoyed.
Helen Catherine (Wilson) Goebel was preceded in death by her parents, her loving husband Walter F., her sister Freda (Wilson) Goebel and brother Fredric Dale Wilson. She is survived by her children: Steven Goebel and wife Jana of Yates Center, KS; and Mary (Goebel) Parrott and husband John of Kansas City and Toronto, KS. Also by her grandchildren: Mark Goebel of Butler, MO and Tricia (Goebel) Jones and husband Tim of Yates Center, KS; three great-grandchildren: MaKayla, Katelynn and Kendrick. Helen is also survived by several cousins and other relatives and friends.
Funeral Services for Helen Goebel are planned for Monday, February 2, 2015 at 2:00PM at the United Methodist Church in Yates Center, burial will follow in Yates Center Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the United Methodist Church prior to the service on Monday from 1:00-2:00PM. Memorials are suggested to the Star Valley Unit of Woodson County and maybe sent in care of Countryside Funeral Home 101 N. Highland Chanute, KS 66720. Online condolences may be left at www.countrysidefh.com.
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