Helen Toburen

(From Brenner Mortuary)

Helen Louise Toburen, 87, resident of Pittsburg, KS, died on August 24, 2026, at Via Christi Village in Pittsburg, Kansas.

Helen was born on November 25, 1938, on the family farm homestead in Thomas County, Kansas to C. Bernard and Wilma L. (Chandler) Ziegelmeier. She attended Colby, Kansas schools and graduated from Colby High School in 1956. Her 67 year marriage to her high school sweetheart, Nelson Toburen, was celebrated in 1959. Over the years Helen served several banks and businesses as a clerical assistant but her primary focus, love and interest was her family. She was a lady of love, grace, caring and incredible patience. Her daughters dubbed her "Saint Mom."

She is survived by a her husband of the home, daughter, Leigh Johnston, husband Vince of Pittsburg; five grandchildren and ten great grandchildren: grandson, Steven Hill, wife Heather, and children Asher, Esther, Eden, Judah, and Noelle, of Bentonville, AR; grandson Mark Hill, wife Tara, and children, Jeremiah and Hadlee, of Owasso, OK; Jessica Johnston Dreiling, husband Grant and children, Kip, Creed, and Wyatt of Carl Junction, MO and twin grandsons, Kyle Johnston and Chase Johnston, Pittsburg.

She was preceded in death by her father, C. Bernard Ziegelmeier, 1978; mother, Wilma L. Ziegelmeier, 1999, brother, Donald Ziegelmeier, 2010; son, Chris Toburen, 1987; and Daughter, Penny Hill, 2004.

At her request there will be no services. Cremains will be interred at the family plot, Beulah Cemetery, Colby, Kansas at a later date. The family will greet friends at Brenner Mortuary on Saturday, August 29th 2026, from 2:00 to 3:30. The family suggests memorials to Wesley House Pantry. Arrangements are under the direction of the Brenner Mortuary, 114 E. 4th St., Pittsburg, KS.