Helen Mae Secrest, age 102, passed away Sunday, August 30, 2026, in Mt. Vernon, Missouri. She was born on January 9, 1924, in Ft. Scott, Kansas, the daughter of Earl D. Sumpter and Florence Marie Ward Sumpter.
Helen grew up in Ft. Scott and was united in marriage to Carl William Secrest on January 29, 1944. Together, Helen and Carl built a life centered around family, hard work, faith, and caring for others.
From an early age, Helen was employed by Key Work Clothes, where she began as a seamstress and worked her way up to supervisor. She retired after 40 years of dedicated service to the company. Sewing remained an important part of Helen’s life long after the workday ended. She lovingly made clothes for her daughter and grandchildren—and even clothes for their dolls. She also enjoyed quilting, creating pieces that reflected the care and patience she brought to so many things in her life.
Above all, Helen was devoted to her family. She loved without distinction—whether someone joined her family by birth or by marriage, they were simply family, and she loved each one the same. She had a way of making everyone feel welcomed, cared for, and equally loved. Her family was at the heart of her life.
Caring for family and others was important to both Helen and Carl. They often worked side by side, taking care of their grandchildren and sharing the everyday responsibilities of family life. While living in Ft. Scott, they were members of First Baptist Church and gave their time to various church and community projects, including helping at the Beacon food and clothing pantry.
In 1996, Helen and Carl moved to Springfield, Missouri, to be closer to their family. After moving to Springfield, they became members of Bois D’Arc United Methodist Church.
Helen is survived by her daughter, Peggy Uttinger of Springfield; three grandchildren, Terri Manley of Mt. Vernon, Missouri, Lisa Neubauer (Brent) of Olathe, Kansas, and Toni Felt (Rusty) of Ft. Scott, Kansas; eight great-grandchildren, Taylor Manley, Austin (Hallee) Manley, Nathan Uttinger, Trenton (Jacie) Uttinger, Jerod (Tracie) Felt, Jordan (Kory) Harding, Colton Manley and Grayson Manley; and eleven great-great-grandchildren, Brady and Tucker Felt, Karoline and Karrington Harding, Ryan Austin, Kinley Ballard, Mason and Adelyn Uttinger, Ava Manley, Larmee and Laken Manley; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Carl, on January 1, 2011; her son-in-law, Ray Uttinger; grandson, Jeff Uttinger; two sisters, Katherine Ruhl and Wilma Parks; and brother, Jim Sumpter.
Helen’s 102 years were filled with family, faith, hard work, and a lifetime of caring for others. Her greatest legacy is the family she loved so completely. The love, kindness, and devotion she gave throughout her long life will be carried on through the many generations of her family. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew and loved her.
Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, September 3, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the U.S. National Cemetery. The family will receive friends Thursday at 11:00 a.m., prior to the service at the chapel.
Memorials are suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may also be submitted to the online guestbook at Cheney Witt.
