Helen Marie Koksal, 92, of Wilson, Kansas and former Russell resident died on Thursday, May 26, 2011 at the Golden Living Center in Wilson.

Helen was born on June 11, 1918 in rural Lucas, Kansas, the daughter of Reinhold and Anna (Keller) Bay.  As a child she grew up in the Lucas area and graduated from Lucas High School in the class of 1937.  She met, fell in love and was united in marriage to Aldrich Richard Koksal on April 10, 1939 in Russell.  From this union they were blessed with three sons Jim, Jerry and Ron.  Aldrich preceded Helen in death on September 28, 2008.  She worked as a sales clerk for Lewis Jewelry for a few years prior to Helen and Aldrich moving to Wichita.  While living in Wichita she worked as a secretary for the Carpenter’s Union for several years.  She was a longtime member of St. John Lutheran Church.  She enjoyed needle work, _China Painting, fishing, quilting, cooking but most of all she enjoyed being a wife, mother and grandmother.

Helen is survived by two sons Jim Koksal and wife Geraldine of Saint Charles, Missouri and Ron Koksal and wife Judy of Knoxville, Tennessee; 4 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.

She was also preceded in death by her parents and son Jerry Koksal.

A celebration of Helen’s life will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Wednesday, June 1, 2011 at St. John Lutheran Church in Russell with Pastor Roger Dennis officiating.  Burial will follow at the Russell City Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 9 A.M. to 8 P.M. Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at the mortuary.  Memorials may be given to Hospice Care of Kansas and sent in care of the mortuary.  Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.