Helen Boan

Helen Maxine Boan Helen M. Boan, the daughter of John Walter and Clara Marie (Swanson) Nelson, was born February 25, 1923, in Essex, Iowa, and died November 12, 2020, in Overland Park, Kansas at the age of 97. She grew up in Iowa with her two sisters and two brothers who are all now deceased too. Helen was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran faith. She was active in her church choir and enjoyed music her entire life. She loved to sing. Helen also enjoyed attending Bible study classes later in life with her daughters-in-law, Pam and Julie. Helen made sure all her children attended vacation Bible study in the summer months as she knew how important faith was in their lives. Helen was valedictorian of her high school class and attended Chillicothe, Missouri Business School. She was crowned Miss Chillicothe while attending business school. Yes, she was even a beauty queen and got to ride on the state float wearing her crown and waving to the parade crowd. Helen was united in marriage to Edward B. Boan (deceased 1998) on October 31, 1942 in Red Oak, Iowa. They were blessed with ten children during their 56 year marriage, five boys and five girls: Edward B. Boan, Jr. (deceased March 2020); Prudence J. Boan (deceased June 2007); Tracy L. Boan (Pamela); Nancy M. Houlehan (John); Mickey L. Miller (Paul); Julie A. Boan; Judy K. Regan (Gary); Matthew G. Boan (Julie); Kelly N. Boan (Joy); and Sam S. Boan (Stacy). The Boan family moved from Iowa to Nebraska to Kansas to Oklahoma and then finally back to Kansas during their marriage and raising their family. Helen spent the last four years of her life at Care Haven Homes while suffering from dementia. The residential assisted living home with a very caring staff was perfect, and made Helen feel like she was still living in her own home. Also, the family would like to express our appreciation to the Elara Caring hospice group for all their kindness and care. Helen found happiness in caring for her family and in her faith. She was blessed with 24 grandchildren, 37 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Her great grandkids lovingly called her “GG” for Great Grandma. She absolutely adored her grandchildren and great grandchildren as they always made her smile. She was her family’s angel here on earth and now she is surely a resident in Heaven. Helen will be dearly missed by her family and friends. The Helen Boan Family would suggest a donation to your favorite charity or church in lieu of flowers.