Helen Agnes (Unruh) Bussey

Helen A. Bussey, age 95, of Goodland, Kansas passed away at Hope Springs in Sharon Springs, KS on March 27th, 2025. Beloved sister, aunt and friend. Helen was born on August 8, 1929 to David P. Unruh and Anna (Jantz) Unruh on the family farm in Ochiltree County, Texas.

She first attended grade school in a country school in Ochiltree County, later in Spearman, and Perryton Texas. Helen graduated from Perryton High School in 1946. After high school she attended Bethel College one year to receive a teaching certificate. She taught for several years in elementary schools in Kalvesta, Ulysses, and Anthony, Kansas. Helen attended Montana State University and received her bachelor’s degree in social services, which began her life’s work and the joy of her life, helping people. She received her master’s degree in social services from Arizona State University in 1967. Helen worked in the field of child welfare both in Texas and Colorado. Later as homemaker services specialist with the Colorado State Department of Social Services in program planning. She then worked as a school social worker in the Denver public schools, serving inner city schools. Returning to Perryton in 1977, to help care for her parents, she continued to be involved in social work. Counseling in her own private practice, and helping start the Panhandle Crisis Center in Perryton, Texas as the first director. In 1985, Helen was honored as the social worker of the year by the Amarillo Unit of National Association of Social Workers; along with the Perryton Professional Women’s Club honoring her as the Woman of the Year. Moving to Goodland, Kansas she worked as counselor at High Plains Mental Health. After retiring from social work, Helen became the manager of the Et Cetera Shop in Liberal, Kansas for 13 years before fully retiring. She moved back to Goodland, Kansas in 2008 to be close to family. She enjoyed reading and was known for writing letters to family and friends in her free time; building relationships, as she impacted many lives. Helen’s personal faith in her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ showed in her desire for others to know Him.

Helen is preceded in death by her parents, brothers Eli (Marjorie) Unruh, Allison Unruh, LeRoy (Kay) Unruh and sister Bernice (Max) Tedford. Nephew Doug Unruh, and nieces Janet Stutzman, and Susan Johnson.

She is survived by sister-in-law Ruby Unruh - Topeka, KS. Nephews Myron (Penny) Tedford - Goodland, KS, Lowell (Pam) Unruh - Wayland, IA, Gary Tedford - Hereford, TX, Roy Unruh - Jetmore, KS, David Unruh - Dodge City, KS, Dallas Stutzman - Hesston, KS. Nieces Patsy Unruh - Perryton, TX, Barbara (Alan) Ewy - Parlier, CA, Donice (John) Manos - LaVeta, CO, Patty (Don) Martin - Dodge City, KS, Shirley (Doug) Hitt - Lecompton, KS, LeAnn (Ralph) Olivarez - Dodge City, KS and Karen (Ron) Garrett - Peculiar, MO. Along with many great and great-great nephews and nieces.

Memorial service will be Friday, April 11 at 10:00 a.m. MT. at Bateman Funeral Home, 211 East 11th Street, Goodland.  Private inurnment will be at a later date in Perryton, Texas. Memorials may be sent to in Memorial of Helen Bussey to the Mennonite Disaster Service, Bi-National Offices, 583 Airport Road, Lititz, PA 17543 or Helen Bussey Memorial Fund and may be left at the service or sent in care of Bateman Funeral Home, PO Box 278, Goodland, KS 67735. Information and condolences www.batemanfuneral.com