Helen Paxson

Helen Paxson, age 73, left her earthly home on October 3, 2023. She was born February 11, 1950, in Seneca, Kansas to Marvin and Mary (Harries) Cottrell. She spent the first eight years of her life growing up on the family farm southwest of Corning, Kansas.  Her family moved in 1958 to Onaga, Kansas.  Helen attended local schools in Onaga and later attended Kaw Valley Technical School in Topeka, Kansas where she completed training to become a Certified Nursing Assistant.

In 1968, she married Gary King, then later divorced.  In 1970, she married Gordon Sauvage, then later divorced.  In December of 1985, she married Phil Paxson.  Helen and Phil enjoyed 37 years of marriage before his death in October 2022.
Helen worked for Brewster Place in Topeka, Kansas since 1991.  She worked on the dementia and Alzheimer's units as a nurse’s aide for 24 years.  Since her retirement from Brewster Place in 2015, she continued to work part-time for Brewster Place as a transport aide to accompany residents to their appointments.

She was preceded in death by her parents, baby brother Howard Wayne Cottrell, her daughter Debra King, and her husband Phil Paxson.  Helen is survived by her sons Tom (Amy) Sauvage of Pacific, Missouri and Tim (Kat) Sauvage of Salt Lake City, Utah; step-son Heath (Janel) Paxson of Hoyt, Kansas and step-daughter Jennifer Paxson of Topeka, Kansas; brothers Charles (Janie) Cottrell of Centralia, Kansas and Waren Cottrell of Onaga, Kansas; three grandchildren and a step-granddaughter; along with many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be provided and held at Davidson Funeral Home (1035 North Kansas Avenue, Topeka, Kansas 66608) on Saturday, October 7, 2023.  Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. followed by the service at 11 a.m.  Burial will be at Corning Cemetery in Corning, Kansas at 2 p.m.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Brewster Foundation (1205 SW 29th Street, Topeka, Kansas 66611) in memory of Helen Paxson.