Monday, April 28, 2025
SALINA, formerly of Ellsworth and Hunter – Denny E. Helvey, 92 of Salina, KS, formerly of Ellsworth & Hunter, passed away on Sunday, March 30, 2025.
Denny was the only child, born to Jack & Vergie Helvey in Victor, KS on March 20, 1933. He attended & graduated Beloit High School, with his high school sweetheart, Connie Wagner. Denny & Connie were united in marriage on June 3, 1951 & would have celebrated their 74th wedding anniversary this year. Their union was blessed with three children, Danee, Debra & David.
Denny served with the Army National Guard & was active in the community, serving on the USD #327 Ellsworth School Board, was a director at Citizens State Bank, Ellsworth, as well as a former Deacon at the Ellsworth Presbyterian Church. Denny is a member of First Church of the Nazarene, Salina. Denny was a lifelong farmer & rancher. He loved agriculture & had a feel for the land, always led by example to his kids in 4H & FFA.
Denny had a very strong work ethic that was instilled in him by his dad from a young age. He farmed well into his 80s and only quit when his health no longer allowed, riding his last round in the combine during milo harvest with his son Danee. Denny & Connie loved watching their children & grandchildren grow up participating in various sports, cheerleading, gymnastics & dance. Denny enjoyed boating and skiing after long days in the field, as well as fishing, hunting, bowling & golfing with his family & friends. He sat on many fishing banks throughout the years with his youngest son David & Grandpa Floyd Wagner. Denny & Connie loved to travel & enjoyed being snowbirds as well as dancing. They danced across Texas & Arizona meeting old friends & new. Denny’s last days were spent happily together with Connie, holding her hand until the end. He enjoyed and appreciated all the staff and employees at Cedarhurst of Salina and Interim Home Health.
Survivors include: his wife, Connie Helvey, Salina. Children; Danee Helvey (Travis Brinck) Ellsworth; Debra Cunningham, Salina. Grandchildren; Kelvi Cunningham, Manhattan, Dylan Helvey (Brooke); Great-grandchildren Brenna & Body, Ellsworth, Jackson Helvey (Alycia), Salina, Joshua Helvey (Fiancé Emily), Joseph Helvey, Christina Helvey (Chance); Great-grandchildren Zahra, Zenia & Zealand all of Ellsworth. Denny was preceded in death by his parents, his youngest son David Helvey & grand daughter-in-law, Blair Helvey. A private family interment will be at Elmwood Cemetery in Beloit, KS with details of a tribute service to be planned at a later date.
