Helen Janice Gilmore passed away October 28, 2026, at the age of 89.  She was born April 20, 1937, in Highland, Kansas, to Eugene Parker and Florence Georgia Ann Street Parker. She was one of nine children born to her parents and spent her life rooted in the community she called home.
Helen graduated from Highland High School in 1955 and continued her education at Highland College, earning her associate’s degree in 1957. Both her high school diploma and college diploma were signed by her father, Eugene Parker, along with B.D. Walters and Fred B. Smith, making those achievements especially meaningful. 
On January 18, 1957, Helen married Jim Gilmore by eloping. They were married in Concordia, KS, by Pastor Louis Dale, the previous minister at Highland Presbyterian Church. Together, they raised four children and built a lifetime of memories. 
After the birth of her third child, Helen returned to school and completed her bachelor’s degree in education at Northwest Missouri State University.
Education was an important part of Helen’s life and legacy. She began her teaching career at Troy then taught at White Cloud, where she taught until the school closed. She then continued teaching at Highland Elementary School, sharing her knowledge and making a difference in the lives of the children she taught. Her dedication to education reflected her commitment to her students and the community she loved. After leaving the teaching profession, she worked at the ASCS office in Troy, Kansas, as a Program Assistant for over 11 years, retiring in October 1996.
Helen was an active member of Eastern Star and the Highland Honeys group.  She was a member of the Highland Presbyterian Church. Through these organizations and her involvement in the community, she maintained friendships and connections that enriched her life.
Helen loved the water and was an excellent swimmer. She especially enjoyed the annual Gilmore trips to Table Rock Lake with all of her children and grandchildren for many years.
Helen was preceded in death by her parents, Eugene and Florence Georgia Ann Street Parker; husband, Jim Gilmore; daughter, Lisa Santos; her brothers, Charles, David, and Byron; and her sisters, Virginia, Harriet, Loretta, Adaline, and Rosemary.
She is survived by her three sons: Brad (Becky) of Highland, Kansas; Mark (Rhonda) of Olathe, Kansas; and Michael of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, and son-in-law James Santos of Denver, Colorado.  Helen dearly loved her children (especially Mark – her favorite), and her grandchildren Benjamin (Brittani), Andrew (Jessica), Maggie (Breven), David (Elisa), Brianna, Dustin (Allyson), Haley (Garett), Molly and Austin.  Her favorite granddaughter was Brianna but Austin was her favorite overall. Her great-grandchildren were precious to her: Kayler, Alayna, Bradie, Jackson, Jordy, Ty, Riley, Lauren James, Brody, Ellianna, Josephine and Jackson.  Her legacy continues through her nine grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren who loved her dearly as well.
Helen will be remembered for her dedication to education, her feisty, stubborn personality and the family she cherished. Her life was one of learning, service, and lasting connections. She leaves behind a legacy that will live on through her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, former students, and all those whose lives she touched.
Celebration of Helen’s life is planned for 11 a.m. Monday, November 2, at the Highland United Methodist-Presbyterian Church, with Reverend Cyd Stein and Pastor Jerry Petering officiating.  
Friends may call at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Highland from 12 noon until 5 p.m. Sunday.  The family will meet with friends one hour prior to services at the Church.  Memorial contributions are suggested to the Church Memorial Fund or Highland EMT Association left in care of the funeral home, PO Box 33, Highland 66035.  
Send a message of sympathy or remembrance to www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com