Obituary of Darlene Sandra Helser
Darlene Sandra Helser, age 69, of Moran, Kansas, passed away on Saturday, August 29, 2009 at the Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, Kansas.
She was born on October 20, 1939, in Kansas City, Missouri, the daughter of Ralph C. and Aleta (Akers) Enlow. She grew up in Kansas City, Missouri. As a child she spent time around her parent's store, Enlow's Variety Store. She was a homecoming queen, and received many awards for baton twirling, before graduating from Shawnee Mission High School with the Class of 1957. At the age of 18, she was crowned "Miss American Legion of Kansas" on August 24, 1957. She then became one of the "Gleason Girls" appearing on the "Jackie Gleason Show", along with doing a few commercials.
She later resided at Mildred, Kansas for 30 years, spending most of those years working as a nurse's aid at area nursing homes, along with being the activity director at Moran Manor. In later years, she dabbled in buying and selling antiques while making numerous friends at local auctions and events.
Darlene was preceded in death by her parents.
She is survived by her son, Charles W. Helser IV of Mildred, Kansas and her granddaughter, Chelsey L. Helser of Chanute, Kansas.
The family will greet friends from 6:00 - 8:00 PM, Tuesday, September 8, 2009 at the Feuerborn Family Funeral Service Chapel in Moran. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.feuerbornfuneral.com.