Helen Marie Parli

Helen Marie Parli of Wichita, Kansas celebrated her 100th birthday on Wednesday, August 6th, then passed away on Tuesday, August 12, 2025.

Helen was born in Afton, Iowa and spent her childhood years in Ottawa, Kansas. After high school graduation, she moved to Wichita, Kansas where she lived for the rest of her life. She met Kenneth Parli, and they married on August 22, 1948. Helen and Kenneth had a strong loving marriage lasting 59 years until his death on January 22, 2008. From their marriage they had two sons, Roland and Marvin Parli.

Helen graduated from Friends University and for 20 years she taught second grade at Derby Elementary School. She later served on the Wichita Library Board. Helen was a believing Christian, attending Metropolitan Baptist Church.

Helen is survived by her son, Marvin Parli and his sons, Jonathan and Sean Parli. She is also survived by great-grandchildren, Gabriella and Luca. Roland preceded her in death. She is survived by his daughters, Emma Nelson and Jenna Parli, and great-grandchildren, Tandice, Miles, and Graham Tajchman and Lillian, Henrik and Asher Swortwood. “I am proud of all my descendants,” Helen often said.

A visitation for family and friends will take place at 10:00 am on Monday, August 18, 2025, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 am, both at Broadway Mortuary. Burial will follow at Ellsworth Cemetery in Ellsworth, Kansas.

A memorial has been established in Helen’s name with The Lord’s Diner, 520 N. Broadway, Wichita, KS 67214.