Helen R. Cox was born on Christmas Day, 1930, at Cushing Memorial Hospital to Fred and Helen (Hilscher) Ettline.

After high school, she earned her RN at Bethany Hospital, School of Nursing in Kansas City, Kansas. She began her nursing career as a public health nurse in Platte County, MO, but spent most of her career at Cushing Memorial Hospital where she was part of a close knit group of nurses and staff who continue to keep in touch.

She met Richard and they married in 1955. He preceded her to heaven in 2007. While building her career, she poured her love into their children and a number of family friends who also called her “Mom.” Mom became grandma and her love continued to grow.

In retirement she continued to be active for years in the lives of her grandchildren as well as through White Cross, Wednesday meals, and other special events at First Baptist Church. She is remembered as a loving servant, even caring for a string of adopted dogs. In recent years, she spoke often of joining Rich.

In recent years, she spoke often of joining Rich. Mom had decided that enough was enough. After a fall in December, she took a turn toward heaven and family honored her wish to be let go quietly with little intervention. She took her last breath in the presence of family on the Lord’s Day, February 20, 2022 and peacefully met her Savior.

She leaves behind her sister Dolores, children: Teresa (of the home), Steve (Maria), Mark (Debbie), and grandchildren Ian and Amy, and many others who remember her through the love and service she shared.

Mom did not want a big service, but family and friends are invited to share in a celebration of her life at First Baptist Church, 340 N. 13th St, Leavenworth, at 1pm on March 26th. A reception will follow with light refreshments. In her memory, donations are requested for HOPE, Inc. or Leavenworth Animal Welfare Society.