Nancy Marian (Helfrich) McBride, 80, died October 18, 2022, at St.
Catherine Hospital, Garden City, Kansas. She was born March 21, 1942, at
Syracuse, Kansas, the daughter of Fred and Virginia H. Wilt Helfrich.
She married Donald Geier on October 21, 2012, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He survives.
Nancy was a generous, creative, and empowered woman who was a force to
be reckoned with, especially when it impacted her family. She raised
her six children and worked fulltime. She was a one-stop shop for her
children and grandchildren. She was their cosmologist, plumber, general
contractor, seamstress and tailor, chef, artist, therapist, mediator,
gardener, fountain of knowledge, and so much more! There was nothing
she could not do, and if you ever doubted her, she would prove you
wrong. She worked at Plaza Medical Center for 40+ years and would go
head-to-head with insurance companies on their patient's behalf. She
didn’t back down, while still displaying grace and courtesy, when
dealing with some of the most stubborn, strong-willed people you will
ever meet. These stubborn, strong-willed people included her children
and grandchildren, which she loved so very much.
Nancy was a devout Catholic at St. Mary Catholic Church and incorporated
her faith in her daily life by treating others how she would want to be
treated. She was always willing to support anyone in need, no matter
in what capacity. She adopted a family every Christmas and when she
could, she would take the time to get to know the family and go above
and beyond to provide the best holiday for them. Nancy was the type of
person that you would want to be when you grew-up, even if you are
already an adult. She set the bar high but had reasonable expectations
for all. This world would be a much better place if we all strived to
be like her.
Many individuals are impacted by her unexpected loss, and we will never
be able to fill the gap in our lives or in the world. Some of the small
things that would be missed will be - walking into her home and being
greeted and then given a tour of her latest project, whether it be an
art project, remodel, or out in the yard with her beautiful flowers; Her
cream corn at Thanksgiving dinner; The hour-long conversations about
anything; The mile long text messages….so many things that are too
numerous to mention all.
We love you to the moon and back and more, Mom, Grandma D, Wife, Sister, and Friend.
Other survivors include her 6 children, whom she shared with former
spouse Robert “Bob” Barlow, Tracy Barlow of Dodge City, KS; Jody Barlow
of Garden City, KS; Craig Barlow of Holcomb, KS; Wade (Jackie) Barlow of
Holcomb, KS; Krista (Jake) Schlegel of Dodge City, KS; Brian (Wendi)
Barlow of Ingalls, KS; 3 stepchildren Scott (Katie) Geier of Garden
City, KS; Sister Mary Pietá of Harlem, New York and Matt (Martha) Geier
of Holcomb, KS; her siblings Dick (Vicky) Helfrich of Coolidge, KS and
Peggy (Larry McGriff) Helfrich of Capistrano Beach, CA; her
grandchildren Cory (Monica) Barber; Jared (Nicole) Chappel; Jenna
(Travis) Kisner; Jantz Chappel; Wrae (Tony Salazar) Barlow; Kyllie
(Levi) Richardson; Kala Barlow; Abby (Jaz) Barlow; Brianna Barlow;
Kenzie Schlegel; Maddison Schlegel; Riley (Lexi) Parsons and Regan
Parsons; Zane Geier; and Brynn Geier; Gunner Newberry; Ethan Newberry;
and her great grandchildren Logan Barber; Colton Chappel; Weston
Chappel; Wyatt Kisner; Wade Kisner; Vivian Fay Kisner; Treyden Eastin;
Parker Eastin; Skylar Barlow; Amilee Wasson; Presley Parsons; Haven
Parsons; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers John “Jack” Helfrich;
Robert “Bob” Helfrich; sister Judy Helfrich and sister-in-law Gala
Helfrich.
Vigil Service will be at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday October 25, 2022, and
Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, October 26, 2022, both at St. Mary
Catholic Church with Fr. Jacob Schneider as Celebrant. A private
family burial will take place at a later time. There will be no calling
hours.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to St. Mary Catholic Church or Emmaus House in care of Garnand Funeral Home. Condolences may be given at garnandfuneralhomes.com.