Helen Powell

Helen G. Powell 88, passed on to Heaven, December 11, 2018, and celebrated by walking again with family and friends who have gone before her. Helen Ginda was born on June 5, 1930 in Coaldale, Pennsylvania. Her parents, John and Natska Ginda, immigrated from a Ukrainian settlement located in southeast Poland. Helen grew up in a large Byzantine Catholic family with six surviving children. She moved from her hometown to Washington D.C. in 1948 and began working at the Internal Revenue Service as a secretary/clerk. By 19 years old, in 1949, she was married and moved to Kansas. Her daughter was born in 1950 and her son in 1952. In 1959, Helen found herself forsaken with two young children and a family to support. She took over a failing business and started the process of rebuilding her life. Helen founded and worked Kansas Plate & Negative Composition. She proved her true grit with sweat and business acuity. She was one of the pioneers of cold type composition in Wichita, Kansas. Her company name changed in 1977 to KPN Typographics, Inc. and again in 1993 to N2 Communications, Inc. Technology changed at a rapid pace during the 60’s through the 00’s for computerized type setting and electronic imaging. Helen led a very demanding life, continuously learned new equipment systems in graphic arts, endured every aspect of owning and running a business while being a single mother of two children. By the time Helen retired not only had she supported herself and family for over 30 years, but she was able to pass on her legacy to two future generations. Her strength and motherly support will be missed. Helen was an astute business woman; she was also a fierce card player. A family get together always included a large table of card games. Canasta was her favorite game with Russian Rummy coming in a close 2nd. Helen could play by any set of rules, but “her rules” were her favorite and varied often. She was quick witted, loved following current events and was a perceptive political observer. Her hobby of tracking and recording weather conditions made her the family “go to” before getting on the road for a trip. She was an excellent cook, enjoyed most ethnic foods and could make the world’s best “microwaved hotdogs”. Just ask any of her grandchildren. All would answer…Baba does! Family was an intricate fabric of who Helen was. Her faith and roots remained with her throughout her life’s journey. She had a special relationship with each of her grandchildren, one that has touched them throughout their lives and will be remembered for many years.  So, as we say bye bye…Baba   RUFYABAF… (meaning - Remember Us For You Are Blessed And Free - using the Baba code). Helen was preceded in death by her parents, John and Natska Ginda; brothers Harry, Michael and Peter Ginda; sister, Mary Rutch; and granddaughter, Sarah Powell. She is survived by one brother, Paul Ginda of Kokomo, IN. Other surviving family members are her daughter, Mary Ellen Powell of Wichita, KS; son, Randall R. (Patty) Powell of Valley Center, KS; grandson, Nate (Amy) Schwiethale of Wichita, KS; grandson, Damian (Naomi) Schwiethale of Mercer Island, WA; grandson, Christopher (Dana) Schwiethale of Rogers, AR; grandson, Jason Powell of Wichita, KS; granddaughter, Amy (Chris) Stewart of Olathe, KS; 5 great-grandsons, 10 great-granddaughters; 2 great-great-grandchildren and dozens of nieces and nephews. Rosary, 5 p.m., Sunday, December 16; Funeral Mass, 10 a.m., Monday, December 17, both at St. Joseph Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, honor memorials may be made to St. Joseph School, 132 S. Millwood St., Wichita, KS 67213. Downing and Lahey Mortuary West.