Helen Janice Briggs

Helen Janice Briggs passed away peacefully in her sleep on Sunday, March 8, 2026. She had recently suffered a severe stroke and was transferred to the University of Kansas Medical Center for treatment. Due to the extent of the stroke, Helen was placed on hospice care and later resided at Diversicare Nursing Home in Council Grove, Kansas, where she received compassionate and loving care until her passing.

Helen was born on May 22, 1939, to Walter Samuel and Geneva Colter (Buchtel) Briggs. She spent her early childhood in Quenemo, Kansas, before moving with her family in 1950 to a farm near Reading, Kansas. Helen attended Reading schools and went on to pursue her passion for music, majoring in Music at Emporia State University. She also attended Kansas State University.

Music was central to Helen’s life. She played multiple instruments but was especially known for her exceptional piano talent. Beginning piano lessons at a young age, she also possessed the rare ability to play by ear. Helen could hear a song once and immediately sit down to play it, often transposing it into different keys without written music. Along with her natural gift, she developed a strong foundation in musical theory and technique through her formal studies.

Helen shared her love of music by teaching in Strong City, Kansas, where she took great pride in her students and their success at music contests. She was especially proud of the many piano students she taught over the years. In addition to teaching, Helen enjoyed performing and was well known for playing the piano at JJ’s Restaurant in Topeka, Kansas.

In the 1990s, Helen moved into her ranch-style home on the east side of Emporia, a place she took great pride in and truly made her own. She also enjoyed baking and made delicious apricot bars, cakes and cornbread.

Helen valued her appearance and took care to always dress nicely. In her quieter moments, she enjoyed watching classic movies, Gunsmoke, and The Lawrence Welk Show. A Christian by faith, Helen did not regularly attend church but found comfort in watching church services on television.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, Walter Samuel and Geneva Colter Briggs; her brothers, Carl Briggs and Walter Jr. Briggs; and her sisters, Mildred Briggs and Linda Briggs.

She is survived by her brother, Lee Briggs, and his wife, Gerri, and their children, Kevin Briggs and Beth Briggs; as well as her sister-in-law, (Carl) Janice Briggs, and their children, Sam Briggs and Sarah Reynolds.

Helen will be remembered for her musical gifts, her dedication to her students, her strength and grace with which she lived her life.

Memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 28, 2026, at the Reading United Methodist Church. Burial has taken place at Lincoln Cemetery in Lebo. Memorial contributions may be made to Diversicare of Council Grove and sent in care of Jones VanArsdale Funeral Home, P.O. Box 43, Lebo, Kansas 66856. Condolences may be expressed at Vanarsdalefs.com.