Helen Arlyene Foster Leighton was born March 18,1926 at her parent's home in Lane County and went to be with her Savior on September 10, 2011 at Gove County Medical Center in Quinter, KS. Helen was the fourth child of Rollie Ephraim and Georgia Kathryn Burrell Foster. After graduating from Utica High School, Helen taught one year at Grandview Country School so she could attend Zenith School of Cosmetology in Wichita, KS. Helen worked for "Crystal" in Dighton for a year before marrying Robert "Bob" Leighton, January 5, 1947 at the home of D. A. Crist, in Gove county. Bob and Helen raised 5 children; Yancy (C. J.), Randy (Joyce), Bobby (Kevin) Ferbert, Carmen (Rick) Herman and Rollie (Karen).

Helen was a member of the First Christian Church of Utica, KS; the United Methodist Women of Quinter, the Hackberry EHU and sewing club. Helen loved her family and her friends dearly, and she adored ALL babies. Her passion was trying a new recipe, which was greatly appreciated by the many family, friends and hired hands. She would cook for 5 and 10 would show up to eat, no one left hungry. Helen's love of music was shown by playing old hymns on the piano, this was her way of worshiping the Lord. Her summers were full of grandchildren, nieces, and nephews visiting farm life.

Helen was asked by the school district to run the far south bus route, which she enjoyed for a number of years. She enjoyed taking CCC outreach classes for boosting her accounting knowledge for helping with oil leases and farm management.


Helen is survived by her husband, children, 17 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, her 4 sisters; Betty (Hob) Mary Ruth (BJ) Patty and Linda; 4 sisters-in-law, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Helen was preceded in death by her parents, 5 brothers, J. R., Bill, Herb, Jim and Jack; a grandson, Travis Herman; a great-granddaughter, Hope Herman, and a daughter-in-law, C. J. Leighton.


Visitation is Monday, September 12, 2011 from 6-8 P.M. at Schmitt Funeral Home, Quinter, KS.

Services for Helen will be held 10:30 A.M. Tuesday, September 13, 2011 in the First Christian Church at Utica, KS with Reverend Howard Bever officiating. Interment is in the Utica Cemetery.


Memorials are suggested to the Quinter United Methodist Church, Utica First Christian Church or the Gove County Medical Center and can be sent in care of Schmitt Funeral Home, 901 S Main, Quinter, KS 67752.