Helen L. Tomlinson, 79, of Seneca, KS, died Monday, January 12, 2004, at a Topeka hospital. She had surgery for an aneurysm on January 6, and her death was due to complications following the surgery.

She was born May 12, 1924, the daughter of Francis A. and Viola Faye Edwards Malloy, in Onaga, KS. She attended Seneca Public Schools. As a young woman, Helen did domestic work in Seneca.

On April 22, 1941, she married Paul J. Lang at Sts. Peter & Paul Church in Seneca. They lived in Seneca where Helen was a homemaker. Her husband Paul preceded her in death on April 1, 1963. After Paul’s death, she worked as a dental assistant for about five years and then began work as a clerk at the JC Penney Store in Seneca. She worked there until she retired in 1986.

On May 4, 1968, she married Richard T. “Dick” Tomlinson in Corning. They lived in Seneca. He survives of the home.

She was a member of Sts. Peter & Paul Church, St. Ann’s Altar Society, and the quilting group at the church in Seneca. She was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary. Helen volunteered at Country View Estates care home helping the residents with various activities. She loved following her grandchildren’s activities, especially sports.

Survivors besides her husband Dick are three sons, Ron and Tom Lang, both of Topeka, and Randy Lang of Seneca; a daughter, Paulette Grollmes of Seneca; two stepsons, Jim and Rick Tomlinson, both of St. Louis, MO; two step-daughters, Linda Fletcher of Paola, KS and Brenda Beard of Germantown, TN; five sisters, Lila Henry and Lavern Colby, both of Kansas City, MO, Esther Chilson and Joyce Potter, both of Topeka, and Barbara Bradley of Linden, KS; 18 grandchildren; two great-grandsons; and six step-great-grandchildren.

Mass of Christian burial will be 10:30 AM Thursday at Sts. Peter & Paul Church in Seneca. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Rosaries will be prayed at 3 & 7 PM Wednesday at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca.

Memorials may be given for Sts. Peter & Paul School or for Country View Estates care home activity fund, and sent in care of the family.