Helen Viola Johnson

Helen Viola Johnson, age 100, of Denver, CO, passed away on December 13th, 2020. Helen was born October 12, 1920 to Joseph and Viola (Grout) Pancake, at their home near Atwood, KS.
As a child, Helen attended a one room country school house in Rawlins County before attending college in Hays and receiving her teaching certificate. Helen taught in Jerome and Benkelman, KS, where she met her future husband, Kermit Johnson.
Helen and Kermit were united in marriage on May 29, 1943 in Colby, KS. They enjoyed 53 years of marriage. Helen and Kermit farmed in Gove County, where they raised their six children. As the children grew, Helen became very active in her church and community. She taught Sunday School, worked in the local library, was active in the Clothilda Women's Club and other community gatherings such as square dancing, card parties and her children's 4-H and sports. Kermit preceded her in death on May 13, 1996.
Helen spent the next several years moving to the communities of each of her children, becoming immersed in the activities of their lives. She later settled in Denver where she married Jack Kent in 2005. He preceded her in death in 2010.
Helen celebrated her 100th birthday in October with family and friends in pandemic style, via Zoom.
After 100 years of living and loving, Helen leaves a legacy of love and faithfulness. Witnessing for the Lord brought Helen great joy. Her Christian faith was the most important thing in her life. She was a woman of strength and dependability, who loved the Lord and her family deeply.
She is survived by her brother, Warren Pancake of Dayville, OR; daughter, Rose Castle of Denver, CO; sons: Bill Johnson (Darlene) of Berthoud, CO; Don Johnson (Donna) of Lawrence, KS; Andy Johnson (Debi) of Grand Junction, CO; Steve Johnson (Jil) of Great Bend, KS and Walter Johnson (Georgia) of Healy, KS; 14 grandchildren: Tami, Teri, Stacey, Kelli, Josh, Matt, Zach, Larissa, Travis, Troy, Lyndsee, Mitch, Mark, and Luke, plus 24 great grandchildren and 6 great-great grandchildren.
Helen was preceded in death by her parents, siblings: Joseph Pancake Jr., Vera Knudson, Marjorie Ramge, Nina Jensen, Alfred Pancake, and Delmar Pancake; and grandsons: Clint Johnson and infant grandson Christopher Johnson.
A graveside service will be held at 2:30 p.m. Friday, December 18, 2020 at the Gove Cemetery for family and the public, with Pastor Bud Tuxhorn officiating. A memorial service to celebrate Helen's life will be held at a later date.
Memorials may be given to the Windsor Gardens Community Church in care of Kennedy-Koster Funeral Home, P.O. Box 221, Oakley, KS 67748.