Helen Virginia Galyon

Galyon, Helen Virginia, 96, died on May 25, 2025 in Oklahoma City where she has lived for the last sixteen years.

Helen was born on December 13, 1928 in Wichita, Kans., daughter of Herbert Schrader and Dorothy Schrader (Barry).

Helen is a 1947 graduate of Wichita North High School. On September 20, 1947, she married Merle William Galyon. They made their home in Valley Center, Kansas. While living in Valley Center, she was an active member of First Baptist Church, and then Faith Church, working in the church nursery for many years.

Helen was a Past Matron and a member in Eastern Star #237 for 74 years. Her hobbies included gardening and attending to her family as a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She worked for Historic Wichita Cowtown, Inc. from 1963 to 1978. Then she worked until retiring in 1994, for the City of Wichita. After retirement, Merle and Helen traveled extensively around the country including Canada.

Preceded in death by her husband, Merle of 63 years, daughter and son-in-law, Sheri and Bart Whitchurch, parents, Herbert Schrader and Dorothy Schrader-Peavler, and a sister, Betty Rose Garrison.

Survived by her son, Dennis and wife, Alicia Galyon of Edmond, Okla., granddaughter, Paula Whitchurch, Wichita, Kans., grandson, Darin (Julie) Whitchurch, Cedar Bluff, Ala., granddaughter, Heather Galyon, Okla., and grandson, Tony (Jennifer) Galyon, Gallatin, Tenn., six great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers the family request memorials be made to Shriner’s Children Hospital or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Immediate family gathered on May 30 at Wichita Park Cemetery for a graveside service with Rev. Dr. David M. Wilson, resident bishop of the Great Plains Conference of The United Methodist Church officiating. Arrangements by Hahn-Cook/Street & Draper in Oklahoma City.

A memorial service is planned at Faith Church at 325 N Emporia Ave, Valley Center, KS 67147, on June 21 at 11 a.m. with Rev. Albert Schuessler officiating.