Helen Davis

Helen Whitlock Davis 1913-2009 Helen Davis, 96, of Lawrence, Kansas, formerly of Neodesha, passed away early Thursday morning, July 23, 2009, at Brandon Woods Care Center, Lawrence. Helen Jane Whitlock, daughter of Wilbur Simpson and Hulda Clements Whitlock, was born April 2, 1913, in McFarland, Wabaunsee Co., KS. She graduated from Neodesha High School in 1930. She was united in marriage with Cecil Wayne Davis on December 23, 1933, in Melvern, KS. Cecil and Helen Davis were residents of Wilson County, KS, during their entire married life, residing southwest of Neodesha. They celebrated their 63rd anniversary on December 23, 1996, in Wichita, KS, sadly during Cecil39;s last illness. He preceded Helen in death on December 25, 1996 while she was at his side. Cecil was an avid gardener in later years, with a lifelong interest in fishing. After his retirement from Standard Oil, they enjoyed many trips to Eagle Bend, TX, where Cecil fished to his heart39;s content and He-len, a superb homemaker and cook, practiced her art on a smaller scale in their Prowler camper. Cecil was a carpenter and maker of fine cabinets. Helen was an accomplished seamstress. Many of the pieces of furniture that Helen loved to arrange and rearrange to match her latest curtain creations were Cecil39;s handiwork. Helen Davis is survived by her son, Prof. John C. Davis, and wife, Jo Anne De-Graffenreid, of Baldwin City, KS. There are two grandsons and one step-grandson: Eric Whitlock Davis of Seville, Spain; and Kurt Wiley Davis and wife, Cynthia, and Thomas Kellogg and Sheri Holmes, all of Lawrence, KS. Also surviving, in addition to two ne-phews and a niece, are Helen39;s special friends: Eric39;s and Kurt39;s mother, Carolyn R. Wi-ley, and Prof. Daniel F. and Annie Merriam, all of Lawrence. Helen was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; two younger sisters, Beth Whitlock Powell and Joan Whitlock Myers; and a brother, Robert B. Whitlock. Warren-McElwain Funeral Home, Lawrence, KS, is in charge of local arrange-ments. A memorial service will be held at the Warren-McElwain chapel on Saturday, July 25, 2009, at 10:00 a.m. The family suggests memorials to Heart of America Hospice, Lawrence. A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, July 27, 2008, at Neodesha Ceme-tery under the direction of Loran Fawcett Funeral Home of Neodesha, KS.