Land, Helen G.





Helen G. Land, 86, died on May 21, 2008, at DelMar Gardens, Overland Park, Kansas. She was born June 24, 1921, in Linn Co., Kan., the fifth of six children born to James and Grace (Lindsey) Hopkins. Visitation will be Thursday, May 29, at the Grandview United Methodist Church, 12613 Grandview Road, Grandview, Mo., at 10 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11 a.m. Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. at Sharon Cemetery, Drexel, Mo. Helen's family moved to Lisle, Mo., in 1925, where her parents operated the general store, gas station and post office for 20 years. She graduated Drexel High School as salutatorian at age 16, took the county teacher's exam, attended one semester at Warrensburg Teacher's College and was granted a teacher's certificate. She taught in a rural school near Freeman, Mo. Helen married Ernest C. Land June 11, 1939, and they lived in Drexel, Mo., before moving to Grandview, Mo., where they lived for nearly 40 years. Helen was a member of the Grandview United Methodist Church since 1958. She was secretary for the Grandview Consolidated School District for 23 years, retiring in 1980. After the death of her husband in 1989, she spent several years in Alamo, Texas, where she enjoyed being a part of "The Great Gals"- making many lasting friendships. She had most recently lived at Villa Ventura Retirement Community in south Kansas City and grew to love the Villa family. Helen was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, brother Bernard Hopkins; sisters Leila Hennon, Marjorie Job and Wanda Oster. Left to cherish her memory are sister Virgie Hanlin, Denver, Colo.; daughter Erna Mayone and husband Lowell, Liberty, Mo.; son Bill Land and wife Crystal, Lenexa, Kan.; grandchildren Kim Whitman and spouse Rick, Harrah, Okla., Kay Spencer and spouse Harry, Weston, Conn., Erin Land, Lawrence, Kan., Megan Land, Lenexa, Kan., and step grandchildren Denise Davidson and spouse Gary, Harrisonville, Mo., Katherine Distefano and spouse John, Parkville, Mo., Christine Elliott and spouse Rich, Eolia, Mo., and Susan Whisenhunt and spouse Dustin, Boca Raton, Fla. Grandma Helen will also be missed by five great grandchildren, 10 step great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and many friends. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a memorial contribution to the Grandview United Methodist Church.

(Arr.: McGilley & George Funeral Home, 12913 Grandview Road, Grandview, MO 64030, 816-966-0250.)