Helen Cruz Pantoja

Helen C. Pantoja, of Mission, Kansas, died on July 23, 2022 at 97 years old. Helen was born in León, Guanajuato, Mexico on May 3, 1925 and grew up in Kanopolis, Kansas. She graduated from Kanopolis High School then moved to Kansas City to become a seamstress at Jack Henry Men’s Clothing, retiring after 25 years.

Helen was preceded in death by her siblings, Vincent Jacobo, Delores Aldaco, Matilda Magana, Socorro Santos, Ramona Rivera, Delphia Rangel, Anita Torres, Sabino Jacobo, Jr., Mary Montoy; and son, Joseph Pantoja. She is survived by her brother, James Jacobo; children, Joan Pantoja and Robert Pantoja of Mission, Kansas; granddaughters, Theresa Jo Pantoja, Andrea Raya (Louis) and Sonia Wilson (Alex); seven great-granddaughters, two great-grandsons; and three great-great-grandchildren.

Some of Helen’s loves included Mexican music and Mexican food, cooking for the holidays, and of course, sweets. She showed her love to her family by traveling to family functions, visiting school Grandparent’s Day and sewing Halloween costumes for her granddaughters.

Visitation will be held 5-8 p.m. (Rosary at 7p.m.) on Friday, July 29 at McGilley Midtown Chapel, 20 W. Linwood Blvd., Kansas City, Missouri. Mass of Christian Burial at 9 a.m. on Saturday, July 30 at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 5500 Woodson Rd., Mission, KS. Interment in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Kansas City, KS.