Helen Mary Dechant Hertel, 92, passed away April 28, 2024, in Rossville, Kansas.  She was born on April 25, 1932, south of Bazine to Henry J. and Albertine (Schoendaller) Dechant.  Helen was a resident of Ness County until she moved to Topeka in 1987, then to Rossville in 2018.

She married Wilfred Hertel on March 26, 1951.  Later divorcing before his death in 1999.  They farmed South of Ness City while raising 7 children.  She was a taxidermist; her favorite was pheasants.  She painted and drew beautiful pictures.  In Topeka she was a companion to Ruth Atchinson. They enjoyed belonging to Doll Club and traveling before Ruth's death in 2001.  Helen loved dolls and miniatures, creating many beautiful scenes. She touched many people in many ways.

Survivors include two daughters, Diane VanGilder (Larry), Topeka and Janice Weyer, Memphis, Tennessee; four sons, David (Jo), Brandon, Mississippi, James (Holly), Bazine, Kevin (Jill), Gibbon, Nebraska, and Craig (Jenny), Meridan, Mississippi; 19 grandchildren and 38 great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. All dear to her heart.

She was preceded in death by a son, Keith Hertel; brothers, Marvin, Lee, and Bob; sisters, Henrietta, Alice, Erma, Coralee, and Shirley.

The family will be celebrating Helen's life, along with her brothers' and sisters', at the Dechant Reunion on July 13, 2024 in Topeka, officiated by Mike Dechant.

Graveside inurnment services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, July 15, 2024, at St. John The Baptist Cemetery, Bazine, officiated by David Hertel.