Vera "Helen" Renz, 90, of Arkansas City, Kansas, passed away Wednesday morning, December 9, 2015 at the Presbyterian Manor in Arkansas City.

Born September 19, 1925 in rural Atlanta, Kansas, she was the daughter of Orville J. and A. Alberta (Calvin) Whiteman. She was raised and received her early education in Atlanta. Helen moved to Haviland, Kansas to attend high school graduating from Haviland Friends Academy in 1943. She then attended Haviland Bible College.

She returned to the Atlanta area to teach school. Helen later went to work at the Winfield State Hospital and Training Center as a secretary. She remained there for nearly 30 years, retiring as Medical Records Supervisor on March 1, 1988.

Helen was united in marriage to R. Leroy Renz on August 15, 1981 in Arkansas City, Kansas. The couple made their home in Arkansas City. She was a member of First Assembly of God in Ark City.

Her family includes:
Her husband: Leroy Renz of Arkansas City;
Her daughter: Merideth Williard of Topeka;
Her sisters: Dolores Copeland of Arkansas City; Betty Rektorik of Fort Myers, FL;
Her grandchildren: Adrienne Kouremetis of Virginia Beach, VA; Coco Williard She of Austin, TX; and
Her great grandchildren: Maya and Niko Kouremetis of Virginia Beach, VA.

In addition to her parents, Helen was preceded in death by her son, Mark A. Williard and her brother, Bruce Whiteman.

Services will be held on Monday, December 14, 2015 at 10:00 A.M. at Miles Funeral Service in Winfield, Kansas.

Memorials have been established in Helen's name for Cookson Hills Children's Home and for the Presbyterian Manor. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.