Barbara Lee (Helmer) Bessel

Barbara Lee (Helmer) Bessel, 77, of Assaria, Kansas, passed away on February 25, 2025, with her loved ones by her side to join her family in heaven. She was born March 24, 1947, in Marion, Kansas to George and Leona (Higgins) Helmer.

Barb graduated high school in Marion, Kansas and in 1964, she married her high school sweetheart Jerry Bessel in Marion, Kansas. Barb and Jerry just recently celebrated 60 years of marriage on December 6. Barb and Jerry had a marriage like none other. They were often seen holding hands and where one was the other was too.

She then started her career as a bank teller for Assaria Bank. Then transitioned to First Bank Kansas in Salina for the remainder of her 35 years. Through this Barb had many customers who became friends and remained so over the years.

Family was very important to her. Barb spent her life doing for others. If she wasn't going to an event for her daughters, then she was planning an event. When the grandchildren came, she started going to all their activities. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her pride and joy.

Her house was always decorated for every holiday and so was she. From wearing holiday shirts to holiday shoes. She loved to celebrate.

You couldn’t tell if Barb was having a bad day or feeling pain. She always had a smile. It was a contagious smile. She had a way of lifting others up when they needed it. Because of this she did not know a stranger. Everywhere they went she knew someone.

She was very involved in community activities such as Assaria Pride, Assaria Lions Club, and a member of Beta Sigma Phi Kansas Delta Master Chapter #MA172 since 1969. Barb was also a member of the Mentor United Methodist Church.

Barb’s unwavering dedication to her family, faith, and community will be deeply missed by all that knew her.

She is survived by her husband Jerry Bessel, Daughters: Wendy (Jo) Holtz; Marci (Aaron) Finck; Grandchildren: Alexis Holtz, Haylee Holtz, Logan Holtz and Kherrington Finck and Great-Granddaughters: Nya Mendenhall and Octavia Holtz; Sisters: Linda Stucky and Brenda (Mark) Buller. Barb is also survived by her many nephews, nieces, and cousins, along with countless friends.

She was preceded in death by her mother Leona Helmer, father George Helmer, step-mother Carol Helmer, sister Georgie Vogel, niece Darla Gore, and many beloved aunts and uncles.  

Visitation will be on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at Ryan Mortuary, 137 North Eighth, from 4:00p.m. - 8:00p.m with family present from 5:00p.m. - 7:00p.m. The Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, March 3, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., at The Ark Church Salina, 2020 S. Ohio St. There will be a lunch to follow for those that can join. Burial will be at the Highland Cemetery in Marion, Kansas at 2:00pm.

In lieu of flowers the family would love any gifts in Barb’s memory to be directed to the Tammy Walker Cancer Center or The Ark Church Salina in care of Ryan Mortuary, 137 North Eighth, Salina KS.

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