Helen Louise (Rodgers) Chanay

Helen Louise (Rodgers) Chanay, age 95, died on September 16, 2026, at the Presbyterian Manor in Topeka. She died peacefully surrounded by her family. Helen was happiest when she was spending time with her family, friends, and church friends.

Helen was born on September 1, 1931, in Ottawa, Kansas, to Millard and Jessie Rodgers. She was the youngest of four children, along with a brother, Henry Rodgers, and two sisters, Fern Rybolt and Joy Schwanke. Helen graduated in 1949 from Wellsville High School where she was a cheerleader, Homecoming attendant, and participated in theater and forensics. Those who knew her always mention her kindness, humor, generosity, faith, and independence.

Helen married Keith Eugene Chanay on June 10, 1950, and was happily married for 34 years until he passed on April 11, 1985. Helen often spoke of the wonderful years they had in North Carolina when Keith served in the U.S. Marine Corps at Camp Lejeune. Helen and Keith loved to travel and enjoyed trips to Europe, Mexico, and Hawaii together.

Helen worked as a homemaker and receptionist/secretary for her husband’s Shelter Insurance Agency and for her son’s law firm, Entz & Chanay, P.A. She was a committed volunteer and considered her service as President of the American Legion Auxiliary, Wellsville, Kansas, and Vice Chair of the Topeka Shepherd’s Center as two highlights. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Topeka for 58 years where she shared her faith and made lifelong friends. Among her activities at First Baptist Church, Helen served as a Deaconess, Sunday School secretary, Sunday School teacher, President of the Faithbuilders Class, and member of the American Baptist Women’s Ministries.

Helen was caring, compassionate, and loyal and will be missed by her family and friends. She was known for never missing a concert, game, activity, or performance by her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was grateful for the love and support shown to her in her final years by her caregivers, Jena Chanay, Amber Chanay, and Tyler Chanay.

Helen is survived by her two sons, Jeffrey (Kristin) and John (Theresa) Chanay, six grandchildren, Tyler Chanay, Lauren Chanay (Logan Johnson), Alex Chanay, Kaitlin Chanay, Taylor Chanay, and Jena Chanay, and six great grandchildren. She is also survived by two brothers in law and three sisters in law who she thought of as siblings, and by numerous nieces and nephews who were all special to her. She was predeceased by her parents, husband, siblings, and several in laws, all of whom she loved deeply.

Helen’s funeral service will be held on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at the First Baptist Church of Topeka at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will precede her service starting at 9:30 a.m. at the church. A private burial service will be held at Memorial Cemetery in Topeka. Penwell-Gabel Cremations, Funerals & Receptions in Topeka is assisting the family.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church, 3033 SW MacVicar Avenue, Topeka, Kansas 66611, or Midland Care Hospice, 200 SW Frazier Circle, Topeka, Kansas 66606.

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