Helen was a prayer warrior…dynamite in a small package! She was slim with sandy-colored hair and a narrow face, but make no mistake, she packed prayer power in her slender frame. She took God’s instruction to “pray without ceasing” seriously and if you knew Helen, she prayed for you by name! If you didn’t know Helen, she probably still prayed for you too! Helen had God’s heart and desire that none should perish but all should come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Helen loved the LORD, loved her Savior and loved others in action and in deed.
Helen JoAnn Austin was the youngest of six children, born 19 January 1934 in Minneapolis, Kansas to Roy William David and Mildred (Ingram) Austin. Her siblings included Roy David, Leo Clarence, Vera Florrene, Harold Gordon, and Charles Eugene. As the youngest in the family, Helen grew up poor, but with a fierce work ethic inherited from her parents who managed to raise six healthy children during the Depression and Dust Bowl years. When family finances finally freed up enough for her to take piano lessons, she fell in love with music which led to her 40-year career as an elementary school music teacher. Helen never married and when asked about her status would, without missing a beat, state that her husband died in the war before she met him! Although she had no biological children, she had hundreds if not thousands of spiritual children and students.
After her dad’s death, Helen and her mom spent a lot of time together, praying for their family’s temporal and eternal welfare as well as for practical needs such as the shingles needed on her mom’s roof. Anyone who talked with them soon found that prayer wasn’t a boxed, timed, or formal convention. You might be in the middle of a conversation when suddenly Helen would address the unseen Divine Presence, make a heart-felt petition on behalf of a friend, family member, or the world at large, and then resume the conversation seamlessly!
Commissioned as the Lord’s ambassador, Helen traveled with Marilyn Hickey Ministries on several mission trips all over the world. She loved telling of her experience of smuggling Bibles into Communist China and how the Lord, quite literally, “opened a way” for their team to get through customs! Helen also enjoyed music composing, writing, and doggy-care. Certainly, her creative and unforgettable notes of encouragement and wit will be missed! P A W-sitively! Helen volunteered for the Humane Society for years and had a deep passion for four-footed friends! She often cared for other people’s pets while they were traveling, tending them with compassion and tenderness.
Helen found joy in blessing others with her cooking. It wasn't uncommon for Helen to deliver a meal or a sweet treat, just because! She would take food to those grieving or in need and enjoyed treating others to a meal out or sometimes entertained in her home. Her generosity was unmatched. She supported countless ministries and had a special place in her heart for veterans and her country. Helen boldly proclaimed that her first love was Christ, and she passionately shared His love with all she came in contact with. Helen adored her friends, nephews, niece, and the members of her church and community.
As her health started to deteriorate, Helen moved from her home of 20 years to a one-level apartment with washer and dryer on the main floor and a walk-in shower which gave her friends and family more assurance of her safety. She enjoyed the cute space for about a year when, unfortunately, she tripped and fell, resulting in a complete fracture in her shoulder and upper arm as well as a broken finger. She was transferred to the hospital in Plainville, Kansas, where she relished the attention as much as the nutritious food. She doted on the aides, nurses, doctors, and physical therapists, and, of course, prayed for them. Unable to return home alone, she was transferred to the Redbud Nursing Home.
The last two years were challenging for Helen. Losing her independence, then her mental acuity and finally her mobility really cramped our spunky friend’s style! Nonetheless, she was determined to stay the course and do everything she could to share the love of her Savior with everyone who crossed her path! She said, “I trust God with my life even more than I trust myself. I’m not afraid to die, but I’ll stay here until I’ve finished whatever God still has in mind for me to do.” And she did. Helen JoAnn Austin, beloved friend and aunt, finished her race and went to be with Jesus on August 26, 2025. Her humor, her intelligence, and her love of the Lord and love for all of us will be deeply missed. Well done, good and faithful servant. Well done.
Helen is survived by her nieces and nephews, Tom (Karalee) Austin of Minneapolis, KS, Gordon (Jane) Austin of Washburn, MO, and Merry (Ted) Palmer of Blanding, UT.
She is preceded in death by her parents; brothers, David, Harold, Charles, and Leo Austin; and her sister, Vera.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 10:30AM at the Harvest Christian Fellowship Church in Plainville.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Global Missions and may be sent to Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 320 SW 2nd, Plainville, KS 67663.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.plumeroverlease.com