Eileen Joanne (Helvey) Gosser, 80, of WaKeeney, KS, passed away peacefully at Hays Medical Center on March 30, 2024, after a short battle with pancreatic cancer.
Born to Clifton Theodore and Lola Irene (Rounkles) Helvey on January 26, 1944, in rural Osborne County, KS, Eileen’s life was a testament of love and dedication to her Savior and family. She attended school in Cawker City, and she graduated from Cawker City High School in 1962. Soon after graduation, she went to work as a switchboard operator for the Southwestern Bell Telephone Company.
On June 14, 1966, Eileen met the love of her life, Arnold Gosser, while working with Alice Stramel at the Telephone Company. Alice had mentioned to Eileen that she would like her to meet her little brother. It only took 3 dates for Arnold to tell Eileen that there “was something she needed to be thinking about because he was going to be asking her something one of these days.” Semi-long story short, they were married on October 8, 1966, at the Cawker City Methodist Church. Only 3 months, 3 weeks, and 1 day after they met. To this union, the Lord added the joy of three children: Kevin Arnold, Shelli Renee, and Sara Joanne. They enjoyed 36 years together before Arnold’s passing in 2002.
Eileen had a generous heart and the God-given gift of caring for others. From bringing a van load of friends to church every Sunday, being Grandma ‘I-een’ to kids at the daycare and making sure everyone was fed no matter the occasion; boy could she feed her family! Lending a helping hand and being a prayer warrior came naturally. She made it known that the most important decision you can ever make is to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. Eileen’s life was a reflection of His love.
It was her pride and joy to be with her grandchildren, and she was a consistent supporter at their events. Each grandchild was nicknamed "George,” with a number following to represent the order in which they were born. During their younger years, grandma’s house was a “grand" central station before and after school. Her staple snack was popcorn and apples, and her way of making sure we were all okay was to have us come and check on her. At every family holiday, she made it a point to bring each grandchild their favorite treat or dessert (Charlie, we knew you were the favorite with your Caramel Apple Salad). She was always proud to share stories and pictures with her friends! Her heart continued to expand as great-grandchildren were born, and she was overjoyed to be called “Nana Great." One of her most treasured gifts was a crocheted blanket for each new addition to her family.
Eileen enjoyed playing card and dice games, visiting with friends, and cheering on the KU Jayhawks. She even dabbled in skydiving.
Left to honor her memory are her son, Kevin (Michelle) Gosser of WaKeeney, KS; daughter Shelli (Bill) Nowlin of WaKeeney, KS; grandchildren, Ryan (Nicole) Nowlin, Cala (Donald) Schmelter, Carli (Chance) Smith, Amanda Gosser, James (Tess) Gosser, Cole Caruthers, Crystal Caruthers, Alex (Jacob) Hargitt, Tiffany (Dalton) Breinig, Josie (Kelly) Robb, Shaylin (Brady) Dinkel-Marsteller, Taylor Russell, and Charlie Russell; 18 great-grandchildren: Kendall Scott, Emerson and Natalie Nowlin; Hazel and Maxwell Schmelter; Silas and Selah Smith; Emery and Edison Gosser; Jasper Caruthers-Darlington; Rhys, Rkyer, and Radley Hargitt; Averlee, Tripp, and Truitt Breinig; Ashur Robb; Gavin Cox; numerous nieces and nephews; sister, Carol “Katie” (Laurence) Otto, sisters-in-law, Jan Helvey, Marty Helvey, and Alice (Jim) Stramel.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Arnold Gosser; daughter, Sara Russell; parents Clifton and Lola Helvey; brothers, Gary Helvey and Ray Helvey; brothers-in-law, Don Baker, Allen Gosser, Bud Wyatt; sisters in-law, Velma Baker, Bonnie Wyatt, Donna Gosser; niece Kelly (Helvey) Bayon; great-nephew, Scott Bayon; nephew, Jeffrey Otto.
Eileen’s outlook toward her recent cancer diagnosis was that it was a win-win situation. If the Lord healed her, she would get to tell everyone how He healed her. If He called her home, she’d get to be with Jesus. Well, now she is! She is with her Jesus, her Arnold, and her Sara. She will be lovingly remembered as a Godly woman who gave all honor, glory, and praise to her Lord.
A funeral service to celebrate Eileen’s life will be held on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. CST at the WaKeeney Church of God. Visitation will be held Tuesday, April 2, 2024, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. CST. at Schmitt Funeral Home, WaKeeney, KS.
The family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to HaysMed Hospice Care, Hospice Services of NW Kansas (NWKares), and WaKeeney Church of God Youth Ministry. Contributions can be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home at 336 North 12th Street, WaKeeney, KS, 67672.
Memories and words of support may be left for the family by writing in the guest book at www.schmittfuneral.com.