Helen J. Toomes, 89, of Shawnee, Kansas, passed into eternity on January 10, 2018, at Shawnee Gardens Nursing Facility in Shawnee, Kansas.

Helen was born July 19, 1928, in Kansas City, Kansas, to Jess Ford and Mabel R. Heaton.  She lived her entire life in the greater Kansas City area.  Helen was raised by her mother and stepfather, Frank Powers.

Helen married the love of her life, Willis F. Toomes on April 13, 1946.  This marriage of 71 years lasted until her death.  To this union three children were born; one son and two daughters:  her son, Willis A. Toomes was a victim of the Vietnam War at the age of 21 - September 21, 1968.  Her daughter, Sandra Jean Toomes Halliburton of Shawnee, Kansas, passed away at her home on November 17, 2017.  Her youngest daughter, Shirley Ann Toomes Higgins resides in Sutherland Springs, Texas.

For several years Helen worked as a bookkeeper secretary for her husband's company, Toomes Stone Contractors.  Her office was within the home so she could be with her children.  Her family and home was the center of her life.  Her home was her castle and she was the queen.  The door of hospitality was always opened to all.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, son, daughter, two brothers, Wayne and Ray Powers, and one sister Caroline Andrew.

She is survived by her husband, Willis Toomes; daughter, Shirley Higgins; 4 grandchildren: Cheri Halliburton Parker, Shasta Halliburton Schlitt, Randen Duncan, and Miranda Abbott Bonesteel; 11 great grandchildren; and four great great grandchildren.  She also has four surviving brothers and three sisters, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Helen was an avid reader and loved to travel.  She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Visitation and Services

Visitation will be 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday, January 20, at the Amos Family Funeral Home and funeral services will follow at 10 a.m, also at the funeral home.  Burial in Johnson County Memorial Gardens.

Memorial Contributions

Memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army, 3637 Broadway, Kansas City, Missouri 64111.