Helen Louisa Jewett

Helen L. Jewett of Overland Park, KS, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on January 4, 2024, at the age of 105.

Helen was born on June 22, 1918, in Galatia, Kansas to Mary and Oswald Shapland. She was the sixth of eight children. Her early years were spent in Lane County on the family farm. She attended Shortgrass, a one-room schoolhouse, in her elementary years and graduated from Lane County High School.

In 1936 she worked as a switch board operator for United Telephone and Telegraph. Following the outbreak of WWII she moved to Wichita, KS and worked as a blueprint specialist for Beech Aircraft. On February 10, 1946, she married Robert R. Jewett and raised two children, Bobbie and Alan.

After her children were grown, she continued her working career as a secretary at Southeast High School in Wichita, Kansas. She and her husband moved to Topeka, Kansas in 1972, where she continued her secretarial work at Topeka High School.  In 1989 Helen and Robert moved to Overland Park, KS to be closer to family.

Helen enjoyed traveling, sewing, playing bridge, watching football; especially the Kansas City Chiefs, and was an active member of Atonement Lutheran Church. Her greatest joy was her family and being involved in their lives.

Helen is survived by two children: Bobbie (Ray) Peterson of Olathe, Kansas; Alan Jewett of Tempe, Arizona; five grandchildren Valeria Dubla, Kelly Allen, Ashley (Geoff) Degen, Melissa (Andrew) Brancato and AJ Jewett; seven great-grandchildren, Mackenzie Allen, Ciona Dubla, Caitlyn Allen, Alexander Degen, William Brancato, Gianna Brancato and Savannah Degen.

Helen is preceded in death by her parents, seven siblings and her husband.

A Celebration of the Resurrection will be held Friday, January 19 at 11:00am at Atonement Lutheran Church in Overland Park, Kansas. Visitation will be prior to the service starting at 10:00am.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Atonement Lutheran Church.