Helen Irene Sands

Helen Irene Sands, 87, of Meriden, KS passed away Tuesday, March 7, 2023, in the comfort of her own home with her loved ones by her bedside.

She was born February 1, 1936, in Valley Falls, KS the daughter of William and LaVerne (Ferrell) Meyer.

She graduated from Oskaloosa High School in 1954, and attended Avila University where she earned her degree in nursing. She worked as a Registered Nurse for over 60 years at various locations in the Topeka area. Nursing was Helen's passion, and she was highly regarded by other professionals in the field. In 2009 she received the Pusitz Award from Stormont-Vail Health Care for "exemplary acts of compassion, caring, and communication with patients of Stormont-Vail Health Care". This was just one example of her commitment to her patients and the excellence she demonstrated within her field. Helen's coworkers spoke of her rapport with patients as being a remarkable attribute, as well as being a "teacher" and "team player" as she took great pride in sharing her knowledge and expertise with kindness and with a humble nature.

Helen married her high school sweetheart, Robert Alonzo "Lonnie" Sands on October 26, 1957, in Perry, KS. They celebrated their 65th anniversary this past fall. He preceded her in death on January 11, 2023.

She is survived by her children, Mike Sands, wife, Erica of Ozawkie, Craig Sands of Kansas City, MO, Steve Sands, wife Claudette, of Ozawkie, Todd Sands of McLouth, Stacia Pfau, husband Jon, of Ozawkie, and a son-in-law, Michael Berry of Meriden, along with five siblings, Martha Massey, June Schieffelbein, Bill Meyer, Becky Brewer, and Mark Meyer. Sixteen grandchildren, Jessica McIntosh, Lindsay Robinson, Micaela Sands, Kristin Steenson, Karyn Shay, Ryan Berry, Shannon Berry, Lorraine Sands, Aidan Sands, Connor Sands, Tyler Sands, Josey Kueny, Cassidy Sands, Haley Kraxner, Braeden Pfau, and Jenna Pfau as well as eleven great-grandchildren also survive.

Helen was also preceded in death by a daughter Cynthia Berry, a grandson, Adam Sands, two sisters, Nancy Mills, and Peggy Casey and a brother, George Meyer.

Per Helen's wishes cremation has taken place. Graveside services will be held at 11:30 AM, Wednesday, March 15, 2023, at St. Aloysius Cemetery, Meriden.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial donations be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital or Friends of Hospice of Jefferson County sent in care of Midwest Cremation, 525 SE 37th Street, Topeka, KS 66605.