Helen Marie Burns

Helen Marie Burns, age 71, of Wichita, passed away Saturday, September 18, 2010 at Wesley Hospital, Wichita. Helen was born December 7, 1938 at Kincaid, Kansas, the daughter of Norman and Ida (Worthington) Henry. She grew up in Garnett, graduating from the Garnett High School in 1958. Following high school she lived in Garnett, Ottawa, and Osawatomie before moving to Wichita in 1970. On May 28, 1970 she married Johnny L. Burns at the First Christian Church in Garnett. They made their home in Wichita. She retired from Dold Foods after 30 years. Following her retirement she went back to work, working part time in food services for U.S.D. 259, Wichita. Helen served as a volunteer for the V.F.W. Ladies Auxiliary #112, Shrine Camel Herders, and the Kansas Masonic Home in Wichita. For 3 years Helen served as the local chairperson in charge of fundraising for the V.F.W. National Home in Eaton Rapids, Michigan. Helen liked to play bingo and the Shamrock machine at the V.F.W. She enjoyed traveling and watching her grandchildren's sports and other activities. She is preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Norma Jo Bowman and Shirley Rae Barham. Helen is survived by her husband, Johnny L. Burns of Wichita; 2 sons, Wayne Burns of Chickasha, OK, Michael Burns, and wife, Jennifer, of Wichita; a daughter, Diana Taylor and husband, John, of Udall; 4 grandchildren, Megan Taylor, Drew, Makenzie, and Ty Burns; and a sister, Marjorie O'Neal of Flower Mound, TX. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or to the VFW National Home for Children.