Helen Ann (Mai) Keil, 81, of Russell, Kansas passed away Wednesday, October 22, 2014 at the Russell Regional Hospital in Russell.

Helen was born March 27, 1933 on the family farm in Russell County, Kansas, the daughter of Reinhardt and Marie “Mary” (Ehrlich) Mai.  She grew up and attended country schools in the Russell area and graduated from Russell High School in 1952.

Helen was united in marriage to Glenn Vernon Keil on April 17, 1955 in Russell.  This union was blessed with two children; Glenda and Terry.  They made their home in Russell her whole life except for a year when they lived in Oswego, Kansas.

Helen started out working as an operator for United Telephone.  She then worked at the City Cut Rate Store for a while before working several years as a bookkeeper and clerk for Home State Bank.  She was a member of St. John Lutheran Church and Church Circle.  She also was a member of the Russell V.F.W. Post #6240 Ladies Auxiliary and the American Legion Post #99 Ladies Auxiliary.  She enjoyed square dancing and round dancing; playing cards, dominoes, and games; collecting Fenton Glass Pitchers; and the 22 years of Snowbirding to Apache Junction with Glenn.

Helen’s surviving family include her husband of 59 years, Glenn V. of the home; daughter, Glenda Phillips (Paul) of Russell, Kansas; son, Terry Keil (Rayleen) of House Springs, Missouri; brother, Alexander Mai of Russell, Kansas; four grandchildren, Benjamin Keil, Jennifer Williams, Megan Phillips and Amy Phillips and two great grandchildren, Reese & Rex.  She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Paul A. Mai, Edward Mai and Emmanuel Mai; and sisters, Lydia Mai and Pauline Kyle.

Celebration of Helen’s Life will be held at 10:00 AM,  Saturday, October 25, 2014 at St. John Lutheran Church.  Burial will follow at the St. John Lutheran Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 9 AM to 8 PM Friday, October 24, 2014 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell with the family present to greet friends from 6 PM to 7 PM.  A Memorial has been established with St. Johns Lutheran Church.  Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.