Helen Marie Peters

October 16, 1929 – September 2, 2026

Helen Marie Peters, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, friend, and woman of faith, passed away peacefully on September 2, 2026, at Intermountain Health–Lutheran Medical Center.

Helen was born on October 16, 1929, in Wichita, Kansas, to James and Elizabeth Ganther. She was the second child born to the family and was raised alongside her sister, Nellie Mae Ganther Simpson.

Helen received her education in Wichita, Kansas, attending East High School and later Wichita State University. She carried with her throughout life a love for learning, music, family, and faith.

On January 21, 1951, Helen married the love of her life, Lee Roy Peters, at her parents' home in Wichita, Kansas. Together, they built a family and a lifetime of memories.

Helen was a devoted mother to her five daughters: Janet Brown, Linda (George) Justice, Dorothy (Dwayne) Burris, Iris Tarrant (deceased) and Lorna Hudson. She was blessed with 10 grandchildren: Kalisha, Jason, Amber, Tiffany, Cortney, Jennifer, Joshua, Brittney, Brittany and Jerica; and 11 great-grandchildren, who lovingly knew her as Grandma. To her grandchildren, Helen was remembered for her wonderful sense of humor and the joy she brought wherever she went.

Her daughters fondly remember many special moments from their childhood. They remember their mother in the kitchen cooking, playing the piano in the basement while the children stood on the stairs and sang, and walking throughout the house with a “T-towel” draped over her shoulder. They especially remember Saturdays, when Helen would prepare all five girls for Sunday morning worship—washing and pressing their hair, ironing their dresses, polishing their shiny black shoes, and making sure they were ready for church. Through those traditions, Helen taught her daughters not only how to prepare for Sunday worship, but also how to carry themselves with grace and confidence.

Helen's faith was an important part of her life. She was a member of Tabernacle Baptist Church in Wichita, Kansas, and later Zion Baptist Church in Denver, Colorado. Throughout her years of service in the church, she served as a choir director, musician, and choir member. Her love of music and singing became a meaningful part of her life and a gift she shared with others.

Professionally, Helen worked as a salesclerk at Macy's. Outside of work and church, she enjoyed cooking, singing, and spending time with her family. She also cherished the friendships she developed throughout her life, including those with Marilyn Norman, Annette Groves, Dorothy White, and Verna Deadwyler.

Helen leaves behind a beautiful legacy of love and family. She is survived by her four daughters, two sons-in-law, 10 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, her sister-in-law and brother-in-law: Lon (Lillie Mae) Peters Jr, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and many friends.

Helen's life was one of family, faith, music, laughter, and love. The memories she created will continue to live in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. Her family will forever cherish the lessons she taught, the traditions she established, the songs she sang, the meals she prepared, and the love she gave so freely.

Though she has taken her rest, her legacy lives on through the generations she loved so dearly.