Helen G. Karigan

Helen Gene Karigan, 78, died of natural causes on August 18th, 2020 at her home in Ottawa, KS.

Helen was born May 2nd, 1942 in Oklahoma. She was the fourth of six children born to Harold Vernon and Eva Mae (Randolph) Reeve. During her youth, she attended several grade schools throughout the Midwest while her father worked as an oil driller. In the late 1950's, the Reeve family settled in Lane, KS, establishing a lifelong home and deep family roots in the area.
Helen graduated from Lane High School with the class of 1960. She was a talented seamstress, working side by side, with her sister-in-law, at Mode O'Day in Ottawa, KS for several years. She also spent a year working at the family owned café, Hal's Café, in Lane. And at various points in her life, Helen enjoyed working as an Avon Sales Associate.

Though their marriage concluded in divorce, Helen was eternally grateful for the father of her children, the late James Thomas Karigan, who went on to raise their three exceptional children, Bill, Kim and Starla.

Her life was full of many adventures; nevertheless, faith and family filled her heart. Settling in Lane, KS, Helen was often found with a sewing needle in hand, fabric strewn across the living room floor, surrounded by photos of her children, grandchildren, siblings, and large extended family. Helen enjoyed making her own clothing for many years, and providing quilts, pillowcases, and just about anything you can make with fabric and a piece of string to people her in life. She was a kind and faithful woman. She enjoyed worship and community outings with fellow members of Lane Community United Methodist Church.

She lived a long, simple, quiet, and comfortable life in her little white house on Elm Street in Lane until 2014. As her health began to decline, Helen relocated to Ottawa, KS. She quickly made friends with many of the residents and staff at Rock Creek of Ottawa, where she received excellent care until her passing.

In the days leading up to her passing, Helen expressed that she was ready to go home to her Heavenly Father. For her family and friends that remain, may this obituary rekindle fond memories of Helen, who is smiling down upon us, with all the kindness in the world, praying we live our lives to the fullest.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Mae (Randolph) Reeve, younger brothers Jimmie Dale Reeve and Billie Joe Reeve, sister-in-law Cheryl Dianne Reeve, nephew Michael Spencer, niece Teresa Spencer, infant nephew Billie Joe Reeve II, and great-nephews Dustin Michael Maimer and Daniel Blaine Maimer.

Survivors include her older siblings, Pat (Terry) Walters of Salina, KS, Harold "Sonny" (Charlene) Reeve of Lane, KS, and Dee (Larry) Lombard of Higginsville, MO, Children, Bill (Tracy) Karigan of Parkville, KS, Kimberly Karigan (Tim Fox) of Olathe, KS, and Starla Cushman of Lee's Summit, MO, Grandchildren, Bryce Karigan, Kori Karigan, Hunter Fox, Tyson Cushman, and Madelon Cushman, as well as many nieces, nephews, and other family members.

Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, August 22, 2020 at Lamb-Roberts Funeral Home in Ottawa, KS. Family will greet friends from 10 a.m., until the service begins. Burial will follow at Lane Cemetery. Due to the current pandemic, masks are required. For those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society as tribute to many of Helen's loved ones and sent in care of Lamb-Roberts-Price Funeral Home, PO Box 14, Ottawa, KS 66067. Online condolences may be left at www.lamb-roberts.com.

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