Helen Utech

Helen’s life began on July 31, 1932, in Herington.  She was the daughter of Henry and Lydia (Peil) Ruppel.  Helen was a 1950 graduate of Herington High School.  She was united in marriage to Walter William “Bill” Utech, Jr. on August 26, 1951, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Herington.  Helen was a farm wife and homemaker.  She was a great caregiver to her five children and husband.  Helen was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and was active in the Ladies Aid group and helped serve many funeral dinners.  She had also been a member of EHU in Herington.  Her greatest joy was her family which includes her children Jonathan (Marlene) Utech of Manhattan, Dan Utech of New Cambria, Tim (Tonya) Utech of Herington and David (Linda) Utech of Weatherford, TX; grandchildren Brandon, Alan and Sarah Utech, Alicia (Nick) Vaughn, Anna (Joel) Hanson, Alison (Bradley)Smith, Tristan (Jake) Kirkland, Tyson (Nora) Utech, Nick (Patty) Utech, Brooke and Christopher Utech; great grandchildren Aria, Kayra, Brooklyn, Colt, Sydney, Sawyer, Samuel and Eleanor.  Helen passed away on Monday July 5, 2021, at Salina Regional Health Center.  She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Bill, daughter Susan Dudley, grandchildren Jennifer and Bret Utech, brothers Kenneth and Lawrence Ruppel, and sisters Betty Brown and Donna Kniebel.  Helen’s family will gather with friends on Thursday July 8th from 6-8 p.m. at Yazel-Megli Funeral Home, Herington.  Her funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday July 9th at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church led by Pastor Bill Newman.  She will be laid to rest in Sunset Hill Cemetery.  Memorial contributions in her name may be directed to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.  Please sign her online guestbook and leave a memory of Helen at www.ymzfh.com