Helen W. Matney

Helen W. Matney, 94, of Topeka, passed away Thursday, September 28, 2017.

She was born December 26, 1922, in Rossville, Kansas, the daughter of Louis and Thresa (McConnell) Trahoon. She was a graduate of Rossville High School. Helen moved to Topeka in 1942.

Helen was employed by Southwestern Bell Telephone Company, retiring in 1983.

Mrs. Matney was a member of the St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Rossville. She was very active in the Kaw Valley Club of the Kansas Oldtime Fiddlers, Pickers & Singers where she had served as treasurer. She was also a member of the Ladies of the Moose, Topeka, Telephone Pioneers Club, and had volunteered for the Red Cross.

Helen married Gene A. Matney on October 15, 1948 in Topeka. He preceded her in death on October 5, 2009. Survivors include a brother, Rolland E. (Ruby) Trahoon, Topeka; seven nieces, Janice Ables, Susan (Tim) Gaggero, Mellody (David) Harrison, Tammy (Jeff) Butler, Stacy Trahoon, Lisa (Mike) Firsick and Kelly Cole; three nephews, Steven Trahoon, Floyd (Debbie) Trahoon, Jr. and Rolland (Deb) Trahoon II; several great-nieces and nephews; great-great nieces; and a brother-in-law, Dean Tregemba, Kansas City, MO.

She was preceded in death by her parents and two siblings, Floyd Trahoon and Shirley Tregemba.

Helen loved visiting with the elderly and attending car races in Knoxville, TN.

A funeral ceremony will be 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 3, 2017 at the Penwell-Gabel Parker-Price Chapel, 245 NW Independence Ave, Topeka. Interment will follow at the Penwell-Gabel Cemetery, Topeka.

Helen will lie in state after 3 p.m., Monday at the funeral home where the family will receive friends from 7-8 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to Helping Hands Humane Society, 5720 SW 21st, Topeka, KS 66604 or to Christ the King Catholic Church, 5973 SW 25th Street, Topeka, KS 66614.

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