Helen Ditzler

Helen Maxine Ditzler, 90, Topeka, died Monday, December 22, 2014 at Peggy Kelly House in Topeka.

Maxine was born September 26, 1924 in Wetmore, Kansas, the daughter of Harry and Merle Bell. She attended Wetmore High School where she played basketball, and graduated as co-valedictorian.

She moved to Topeka after graduation where she worked in the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe office building. She married Charles H. Ditzler on December 9, 1943 in Topeka. Together, they opened Chuck's Drive In in 1953, where she served as bookkeeper.

Maxine's life was about service, both to her family and her community. She was a long time member of Crestview United Methodist Church where she was a member of the United Methodist Women's Circle. She was involved in volunteer church activities for many years. Some of her other volunteer activities included delivering Meals on Wheels for 38 years, one day a week at Doorstep of Topeka for 15 years, assisting at several enrollments at Washburn University, and being a Cub Scout Den Mother for all 4 of her sons.

She is survived by her brother, James (Marion) Bell, Phoenix, AZ; her 3 sons, Richard (Helen Cooluris) Ditzler of San Francisco, CA, Craig (Deanna) Ditzler of San Diego, CA, and Jim Ditzler of Topeka; 6 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her son Larry Ditzler of San Diego, and her companion Howard Vorhies of Topeka.

Memorial services will be at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 30, 2014 at Crestview United Methodist Church, 2245 SW Eveningside Drive, Topeka. A reception and luncheon for family and friends will follow the service at the church. Private inurnment will take place at Mount Hope Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Crestview United Methodist Church, 2245 SW Eveningside Drive, Topeka, KS 66614 or to Midland Care, 200 SW Frazier Circle, Topeka, KS 66606.

Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel is assisting the family.