Helen M Haynes (Cox), age 73, of Junction City, Kansas, passed away at her home on Monday, February 2, 2026. She was born in Yorktown, Texas, on October 28, 1952, to George and Grace Cox. Helen was baptized in November 1952 and grew up in Runge, Texas, before later moving to Taft. She was confirmed in June 1968 at Faith Lutheran Church in Taft, Texas. Helen graduated from Taft High School in 1970.
She met Donald Haynes while he was in the Navy and married him on June 26, 1971, at Faith Lutheran Church in Taft, Texas. They then moved to Junction City, Kansas. Helen's top priority was to find a church where she could feel at home. In 1974, she transferred her membership from Faith Lutheran in Texas to Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church in Junction City. There, she lived out her faith and served as a dedicated steward in various roles, including youth leader, Sunday school teacher, church council member, knitter of prayer shawls, choir singer, and coordinator of church luncheons, soup suppers, Thanksgiving dinners, and fundraisers.
As a mother, she was attentive and loving, nurturing her three children and encouraging them to pursue their dreams, even when it frightened her to let go. In addition to being a mother to several bonus children, she was a beloved "Memaw" to many who were fortunate enough to receive her love and care. She welcomed everyone with open arms and embraced them with kindness.
Helen worked at the Junction City Post Office and was a member of the Rural Letter Carriers Association (RLCA), where she served as a state steward for many years. She retired after more than 20 years of dedicated service.
Eager to contribute to her community, Helen volunteered at the Junction City Little Theater, where she brought characters to life through her skillful application of stage makeup and helped wherever needed. Her passion for the arts illuminated every productio
n, creating vibrant experiences for both the cast and audience.
As an avid crafter, Helen possessed a variety of talents, including card making, painting, barn quilt design, knitting, and basket weaving. She taught creative craft classes at the Dorothy Bramlage Public Library, generously sharing her skills with friends, family, and anyone eager to learn. She participated in events such as Apple Days, county fairs, and Pony Express Days, where she showcased her version of traditional prairie attire while weaving baskets. Additionally, she volunteered at Lincoln Elementary School for Kansas Day and with the Boy Scouts of America, demonstrating basket-weaving techniques to the youth.
Helen wholeheartedly supported her husband and sons in their festive endeavors, enthusiastically helping with decorations for the Freemasons, the York Rite, the Shriners, and heartfelt Memorial Day tributes. This joyful collaboration brought their family closer together while honoring important traditions.
Helen is survived by her loving husband, Donald Haynes, along with her sons, Robert Haynes and Wesley (Therasa) Haynes; her daughter, Bethany Brewer; and her treasured grandchildren, Jonas (Leigh) Moore, Wyatt Haynes, and Zoe Haynes. She is also survived by her sisters, Elizabeth (Kipp) Miller, Janie Chandler, and Georgia Elps (Glenn McElroy); and her in-laws, Vernon and Emma Manion, and Donna Haynes.
She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Grace Cox, as well as her in-laws, Byrle and Ruth Haynes. Additionally, she was preceded in death by her siblings-in-law: Lois Claus, Sidney Chandler, Margret Haynes, Carol Haynes (Roger Selken), and Ronald Haynes.
Visitation will be held on February 15, 2026, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Johnson & Mass-Hinitt Funeral Home, located at 203 N Washington St, Junction City, KS 66441. A funeral service will take place the following day, February 16, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church, with Pastor Nancy Mitchell officiating. The church is located at 212 N Eisenhower Dr, Junction City, KS 66441.
Helen M. Haynes will be remembered for her unwavering love, boundless creativity, and the profound impact she made on everyone who crossed her path. Her legacy will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of her family and friends.
The family appreciates your support and requests that any floral tributes be replaced with donations made in memory of Helen Haynes to The American Cancer Society for uterine cancer research. https://share.google/r8bRVh550JveXZFDd.