Helen Gideon Michel, 92, of Russell died on Saturday, June 7, 2008 at the Russell Regional Hospital in Russell. She was born on December 12, 1915 in Russell County, Kansas, the daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Bender) Wagner.

Helen grew up in the Russell County area and attended country schools. She met and fell in love with Herman Gideon. They were united in marriage on November 27, 1935 at the Bender Hill Trinity Lutheran Church and from this union they were blessed with five children, Glenn, Darold, Donald, Elaine and Tamera. They spent almost 40 years together before Herman's death on January 30, 1974. Ten years later she found love again and was united in marriage to Ruben Michel on February 6, 1985 in Hays, Kansas. They spent 10 years together before Ruben's death on April 15, 1995. Helen was a longtime member of the St. John Lutheran Church in Russell. She enjoyed collecting various dolls and loved sewing and crocheting. Most of all she loved spending time with her family especially her many grandchildren and step grandchildren.

Surviving family include Glenn Gideon and wife Wilmetta, Darold Gideon and wife Corine all of Russell, Donald Gideon and wife Pam of Guymon, OK, Elaine Golightley and husband Earl of Larned, KS and Tamera Witte and husband Rick of McPherson, KS; step children Clyde Michel and wife Fanny of Peoria, Arizona and Shirley Brown and husband Myron of Edmond, OK; 13 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren; 8 step grandchildren and 8 step great grandchildren. She is also preceded in death by her parents, 3 brothers and 1 sister.

A celebration of Helen's life is scheduled for 10:30 A.M. on Wednesday, June 11, 2008 at the St. John Lutheran Church in Russell with Pastor Roger Dennis officiating. Burial will take place after the service at the St. John Lutheran Cemetery. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell is in charge of the arrangements.