Helen Deane Marie Branscum, 78, of Winfield, Kansas, passed away Sunday afternoon, October 26, 2014 at her home in Winfield.

Born May 8, 1936 in Boynton, Oklahoma, she was the daughter of Jack A. and Amy (Hayes) Kaufman. She was raised and received her education in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. She later attended Northeastern State University.

Helen was united in marriage to T.E. "Gene" Branscum on June 9, 1956 in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. The couple made their first home in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. In 1964 the couple moved to Winfield, Kansas where they made their home. Helen and Gene were involved, with others, in obtaining the St. John's Library for the new City Library.

She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Winfield for over 30 years and was involved with the United Methodist Women. Helen also belonged to the Sorosis Club, PEO, Mother Study Club, Northeastern State University Foundation Board, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Cub Scout Den Mother, and the Winfield Arts & Humanities Council. She was a previous member of Snyder Auxiliary Board and the First Christian Church. She introduced countless children to Indian art and Indian artifacts through the local schools. Helen loved arts and music, especially painting and singing. She also enjoyed fishing, swimming and reading, but most of all she loved traveling with family and friends to Colorado, Las Vegas and the Cayman Islands.

Her family includes:
Her sons: Kirk Branscum and wife, Jacquie of Winfield; Keith Branscum and wife, Joy of Cambridge;
Her sister: Ethelrose Patrick of Winfield;
Her grandchildren: Kiersten and Kylie Branscum of Winfield; Garrett, Austin, Logan and Harley Branscum of Cambridge;
Her nephews: Robert Patrick and wife, Susan of Tahlequah, OK; David Patrick and wife, Cheryl of Kingwood, TX; and
Her niece: Rhenda Torrence and husband, Dan of Winfield.

In addition to her parents and husband, Helen was preceded in death by her sons, Chris and Karl Branscum.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M., Wednesday, October 29, 2014 at the First United Methodist Church in Winfield. Interment will follow at the South Prairie Cemetery, south of Cambridge, Kansas. Friends may call at Miles Funeral Service in Winfield from 4:00 to 8:00 Tuesday evening, October 28, 2014. The family will greet visitors from 5:00 to 7:00 that evening.

Memorials have been established in Mrs. Branscum's name for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and for Gentiva Hospice. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.