Helen E. Lierz, 88, of Iola, KS, formerly of Seneca, KS, died Monday, March 4, 2002 at Allen County Hospital in Iola.

She was born May 20, 1913, on a farm east of Baileyville, KS, the daughter of Owen J. and Jane H. McNamara Larkin. She attended Sacred Heart School in Baileyville and helped on the family farm. Following her schooling, she did domestic work in Seneca.

On January 23, 1936, she married Charles P. “Chike” Lierz at Sacred Heart Church in Baileyville. They lived and farmed east of Seneca and in 1937 moved to a farm west of Seneca. In September of 1953 they moved to Seneca where she was employed by Kampert’s Drug Store for 18 years. Her husband “Chike” died December 16, 1995. She moved to Iola in May of 1999 to be near her family.

She was a member of Sts. Peter & Paul Church and St. Ann’s Altar Society at the church, the Seneca Garden Club, and the Sunflower Unit, all in Seneca. She attended St. John’s Church in Iola.

Survivors are three daughters, Jane Lee Kipp of Piqua, KS, Karen Carpenter of Iola, Bette Penka of Garnett, KS; a brother, M.J. Larkin of Rapid City, SD; five grandsons and two great-grandchildren.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Owen and Francis Larkin; and two sisters, Mildred Winkler and Aurelia Cornick.

Mass of Christian burial will be 10:30 AM Friday at Sts. Peter & Paul Church in Seneca. Burial will be in the church cemetery. A rosary will be prayed at 2 PM Thursday, with a vigil prayer service at 7 PM Thursday, at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca.

Memorials may be given for Sts. Peter & Paul Cemetery or Sts. Peter & Paul School and sent in care of the family.