Helen Virginia Jay

Helen Virginia Jay, 95 of Arkansas City died Friday, March 18, 2011 at the Presbyterian Manor Health Care Unit. Funeral services are scheduled for 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, March 22, 2011 at the First Presbyterian Church in Arkansas City. The Reverend Danny Daniel will officiate. Interment will be in the Memorial Lawn Cemetery. Helen was born August 9, 1915 to John Brainard Goff and Mable Marie (Short) Goff in Arkansas City. She attended Arkansas City schools,, graduating from the high school in 1933. Helen continued her education at Arkansas City Junior College, graduating in 1935 and Kansas State University, graduating in 1937 with a bachelor's degree in home economics. On September 10, 1939 she married Robert M. Jay in Arkansas City. The couple made their home in Salina for a short time before making their home in Arkansas City. Helen was a homemaker and substitute teacher for 28 years. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, where she served as a deaconess, elder, chair of the lunch circle, and Edith Cox Guild. Helen was also member of PEO chapter BO, Historical Society, Arkansas City Country Club Women's Golf Association, AC Music and Dramatic Club and Arkansas City Duplicate Bridge Club. She will be remembered by students and faculty for her dedication as a escort to Europe two summers for six weeks for study programs by the Scholastic International Study Association. She also enjoyed many trips to Europe and Hawaii with family and friends. She is survived by her son, Steve Jay and wife, Joi of Arkansas City; grandson, Chris Jay of Shawnee, KS; granddaughter, Molly Jay of Seattle, WA; sister, Verna Davis of Arkansas City; great grandson, Jonah Jay. Helen was preceded in death by her parents, husband in May 2001; two sisters, Laureda Hartley and Marianna Stickel; brother, JG Goff. A memorial has been established with First Presbyterian Church . Contributions may be made through the funeral home.