Helen (Wilhite) Shouse, 89, died peacefully January 29th, 2013 at her daughter Pam’s home in DeSoto, Kansas. Helen was born to Hubert Wilhite and Alma Florence Carroll Wilhite Mullenix on March 18, 1923 in Mt. Pleasant, Texas, the second of 10 children. Following graduation from Paris Junior College, she moved from Paris, Texas to Washington D.C. during World War II, where she worked for the FBI under J. Edgar Hoover for 10 years. She met her husband Bill at First Baptist Church of Washington (about four blocks from the White House) where they were both active members, and where many of our Presidents have attended. She was thrilled to have sat in church near both Presidents Roosevelt and Truman! She loved history and Washington D.C. was the perfect place for her. She and Bill sat on the 5th row at the Capital when President Truman was sworn in and had front row seats for the parade outside the FBI building. Helen was very patriotic and loved to tell stories of their time in Washington – it was a very exciting time in her life.
In 1956, with two small children in tow, they made the long drive to Kansas City, where they settled into their home on Belleview and soon added their third child to the family. They chose Kansas City so they could be as near as possible to their families in Texas and Kentucky. Helen worked for the IRS for 30 years. She held many positions in her church where she was a member for 55 years – Sunday School teacher for all age levels, many different committees, historical research group, Deacon selection, etc. Church was a huge part of the family life. Helen was also involved in her children’s activities, local politics, & school government. She served many years in the PTA, was a school volunteer & room mother, and was a Cub Scout den leader. She was so proud that all of the men in her life were in scouts, and that her son and 5 of her grandsons are now Eagle Scouts. Helen & Bill lived in the same house for 57 years – it was a terrible blow to the entire family when it was finally sold last fall. Helen loved bridge and has a group of lady friends that have played together for 50 years! She also loved her Texas family and looked forward to the annual reunion time each and every year. Helen’s first passion was always her children & grandchildren and their well-being. She loved and cared deeply for all of them. Helen could cook a mean chicken & dumpling meal with banana pudding like none other! She will be sorely missed by all of her family and friends.
Helen was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, William James (Bill) Shouse. Also preceding her in death were two sisters and three brothers: Lillie Killman, Colleta Jo Coffman, J. W. Wilhite, Hubert Wilhite Jr, and Floyd (Butch) Mullenix. Helen is survived by her children Ronald W. Shouse & wife Beth of Overland Park, Debby Middleton of Overland Park, and Pam Papp Claycamp & husband Tom of Desoto. Also surviving are her precious grandchildren, Douglas W. Shouse & wife Julie, Diane C.Garner & husband Dr. Brad, Daniel R. Shouse & wife Natalie, Kyle J. Middleton, Kirk W. Middleton, Krystal M. Katzer & husband Eric, J. Luke Papp, H. Elise Papp and W. Dane Papp. Helen treasured her six great-granddaughters, Megan & Emily Shouse, Sarah, Rachel and Mikayla Garner, and Bella Middleton (Katzer). She is also survived by sisters Willa Brake of Dallas, Sue Haslam Davis of Cloudcroft, NM and brothers Ray Wilhite of Lubbock, Texas and James Mullenix, of Tucumcari, New Mexico and brother-in-law Harold B. Shouse of Lola, Kentucky.
Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. Monday, February 4, at Holmeswood Baptist Church, 9700 Holmes Road, Kansas City, Missouri. Visitation will be 2:00-4:00 p.m. Sunday, February 3 at the church. Burial in Mt. Moriah Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or to Holmeswood Baptist Church Memorial Fund, 9700 Holmes Road, Kansas City, Missouri 64131. Condolences may be offered at www.mtmoriah-freeman.com.
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