Helen M. Ljungdahl, 61, Kansas City, formerly of Topeka, passed away Thursday, November 28, 2013.
Helen was born December 30, 1951 in Dodge City, the daughter of Harry and Mary (Martin) Wells. She graduated from Dodge City High School in 1970 and attended Friends University.
Helen never met a child she did not love. During her sons formative years she provided child care in her home. She was later employed by Auburn-Washburn USD-437 as bus driver and also served on the district's Board of Education. She also worked for the Kansas Sampler Stores and State of Kansas, Department of Health & Human Services.
She was a member of the Red Hat Society in Topeka and formerly a member of Susanna Wesley United Methodist Church.
Helen married David Joe Ljungdahl on July 31, 1971 in Dodge City. He died November 15, 2001. Survivors include sons, John (Lisa) Ljungdahl, Kansas City, Joseph Ljungdahl, Manhattan; grandchildren, Caleb and Anna Ljungdahl; and siblings, Harriet Wells-Phelps, Maricopa, AZ, Robert Wells, Lakin, KS, Renea Sturm, Eudora, KS, and Mae Sturms, Durant, IA. She was also preceded in death by her parents.
Memorial services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, December 16, 2013 at Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel. Burial will follow at Penwell-Gabel Cemetery. A visitation will be held 1 hour prior to the service at the funeral home. After the services, Helen's family invites guests to Penwell-Gabel Family Center, 1940 NW Central Ave to share memories and celebrate her life.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, PO Box 13067, Alexandria, VA 22312; or the National Kidney Foundation of Kansas and Western Missouri, 6405 Metcalf Avenue, Suite 204, Shawnee Mission, KS 66202.