Helen Mae Poland

Helen Mae (Moore) Poland, 88, of Gem, KS, passed away Friday, April 4, 2025, at Citizens Medical Center in Colby, KS. She was born to Bessie (Ickler) and Robert Moore, in Faulkton, SD on February 7, 1937. Helen moved with her parents to Eastern Kansas in 1950. In 1954, Helen met Kenneth F. Poland in Wichita, KS. They were married on April 20, 1956, at the Minneha Baptist Church.

Helen was an ombudsman for many years and advocated for long term care residents. She worked as a receptionist at Prairie Senior Living Complex, where she fostered a level of care for those with Alzheimer’s/ Dementia that always went above and beyond. She even developed the Alzheimer’s Association in Colby.

Helen enjoyed being active in 4-H and was an avid supporter, serving as leader, sponsor and promoter over the years. She also loved researching genealogy and had well over 100 books filled with family information from the past 500 years.

The impact Helen had on the community is beyond what can be put in a simple obituary, from lobbying for the 4-H building, getting Prairie Senior Living Complex built, and all the support she gave behind the scenes. She will forever be remembered by many community members.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents and grandson Robert Poland.

She is survived by her husband Kenneth; three children, Carmen (Kenneth) Cornell, William (Kay) Poland and Robert Poland; as well as 9 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, May 31, 2025, at the Gem Community Building. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association in Colby and sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For information or condolences visit baalmannmortuary.com