Katherine M. Helms' Obituary
Katherine M. Helms, born in Nebraska City, Nebraska, passed away in Clearwater, Florida surrounded by the love she spent a lifetime giving to others. Her absence leaves a space that can never truly be filled, but her love, laughter, and spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
Those who knew Kathy understood that caring for others was simply part of who she was. As a nurse, she devoted her life to comforting people during their most difficult moments, offering not only skilled care but also kindness, patience, and understanding. Kathy retired from the nursing profession in 2021. Throughout her career, she had a special way of making people feel safe and cared for, and her compassion touched countless lives.
While nursing was her calling, her greatest joy was her family. She married her husband, Mike, in the early 80’s. They were together for nearly 45 years until his passing in 2023. Her children, Michael and Kimberly, were the pride of her life. She also welcomed her son in law, Ben, as family, and nothing brought a bigger smile to her face than her grandson, Chandler. Being his grandmother was one of her greatest blessings, and she treasured every moment spent with him.
Kathy had a gift for bringing people together. Her kitchen was the heart of her home and often the heart of every gathering. Whether it was a holiday meal, a Chiefs tailgate morning, or an ordinary evening, she showed her love through the food she prepared and the memories she created. To many, she was known simply as "Mama Helms." She opened her heart and her home, she offered advice (even if you didn’t ask), and no one ever left her home hungry and without feeling loved.
One of Kathy’s most notable characteristics was her being a lifelong Kansas City Chiefs fan whose loyalty never wavered. As a 30-year season-ticket holder, game days brought excitement, laughter, and plenty of cheering. If she wasn’t tailgating and watching at Arrowhead, she was often with her “Chiefs Chicks” besties or at Glory Days with her Florida Chiefs crew. Friends and family knew that watching football with Kathy was about far more than the score. It was about being together and sharing moments that would become cherished memories. Though, watching the Chiefs win Super Bowl LIV in Miami wasn’t too shabby of a win for her!
Katherine was preceded in death by her parents, Mary and Larry VanderVeen, her brother, Larry Jo VanderVeen, her beloved husband, Mike Helms, her son, Michael Helms Jr., and many beloved grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other loved ones. Though she endured profound loss throughout her life, she continued to care for those around her even while carrying her own heartache.
She is survived by her daughter, Kimberly (Ben) Duvall, her grandson, Chandler Duvall, her sisters, Connie Landers-Jeter (Chris) and Cynthia Henderson, and many nieces, nephews, dear friends, and extended family members who will forever hold her memory close. She leaves behind a family strengthened by her example, friends made better by her friendship, and a community touched by her kindness. She was deeply loved. She will be profoundly missed. And she will never be forgotten.
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