Helen F. Bohr passed away peacefully at the age of 97 on October 21, 2026, at Catholic Care Center in Bel Aire, Kansas. She was a cornerstone of the Independence healthcare community and a cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. The 75-year resident of Independence, Kansas was born on March 17, 1929, in Columbus, Kansas to Ralph and Clara Johnson Gibson. She graduated from Riverton High School and the Mount Carmel School of Nursing. In 1951, there were two major events in her life. She began her many years of working as a registered nurse at Mercy Hospital in Independence, Kansas, and she met Francis L. Bohr, who she married on May 10, 1952, at St. Andrew Catholic Church.

The years that followed saw her as a nurse, wife, mother, childbirth educator, and artist. She generously volunteered her time in the community, especially the St. Andrew Altar Society and the church choir. For many years the things she created, whether paintings, craftwork, or delicious items from her kitchen (especially the farm pan pies made with fruit that Francis grew) were a part of the annual Altar Society Bazaar or other parish events. She and Francis were longtime leaders in the Catholic Youth Organization, both locally and at the diocesan level. Together they provided inspiration and positive role models for middle and high school students. They also established the Chaplet of Mercy at St. Andrew.

She spent 50 years dedicated to OB and surgical nursing at Mercy Hospital. Perhaps her most profound impact on the community was establishing and leading a Lamaze program for local mothers. For many years she lovingly ushered countless numbers of expectant mothers into parenthood. For this and all her other contributions to the community she was honored with the distinguished Athena Award.

She was preceded in death by her husband Francis, her parents, and four of her five siblings. She is survived by her children and their spouses: Melinda (John) McConnell, Paula Bohr (John Walsh), Paul (Michelle) Bohr, and Tom (Deb) Bohr. She is also survived by eight grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, her sister Ruth Hartley and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation and remembrances will begin at 6 p.m. followed by a rosary at 7 p.m. on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at Potts Funeral Home in Independence KS. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. on the Feast of All Saints November 2, 2026, at St. Andrew Church followed by burial at Mount Hope Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to St. Andrew Catholic Church, 210 N. 4th St. Independence, KS 67301 or Helen Bohr Memorial, Catholic Care Center 6700 E. 45th Street N, Bel Aire, KS 67226.