Helen Viola Donohue

Helen Viola Donohue passed away on Saturday, March 29th, just a few days short of celebrating her 99th birthday.

Born April 3, 1926, northwest of Buxton in Wilson County Kansas she was the middle child of Arthur F. and Rica M. (Williamson) Pryor. Helen was born during a 10-inch snowstorm and arrived before her father could bring the doctor with his team and wagon.

When Helen was 3 years old, her family moved south of Fredonia. Then in 1933, her parents bought a farm 7 miles west of Fredonia. It was fun, but there could be hard times growing up on the farm with two sisters and two brothers.

Helen went to Pleasant Point, a one room country school. Later she attended Fredonia High School, graduating in 1943. She missed her graduation ceremony because the Fall River was flooding, and the family could not get across.

After graduation, Helen worked at the Ben Franklin 5 & 10 store. She was working at McKrae Telephone company when an ice storm hit. Her brother Harold walked her to work from their farm near the Mill Dam. They took a route following the railroad tracks. She wanted to do her part to keep the phones operating in case of emergencies during the storm.

In 1958, Helen married Joe Donohue. They celebrated 60 years of marriage before his passing. The marriage was blessed with a son Daryl who provided the couple with much pride and joy.

They spent their lives engaged in farming and ranching north of Fredonia. In 1998, they retired and moved to town when Daryl and daughter-in-law Jody took over the business.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, husband, sisters Alma Bade and Dorothy Vaughn and brothers Harold Pryor and Lee Pryor.

In addition to Daryl and Jody Donohue, she is survived by several nieces and nephews. During the past few years, Helen had several care givers who became extended family members. They were dearly loved and appreciated by Helen.

Private graveside services are planned at a future date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are requested for Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice.