Helen L. Echols

Funeral service for Helen L. Echols, 90, Topeka, will be at 1 p.m. Thursday at Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel in Topeka. Burial will follow in Topeka Cemetery.Mrs. Echols died Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008, in Topeka.She was born April 1, 1918, in Winchester, the daughter of Joseph and Della James.Mrs. Echols was a licensed practical nurse and private caregiver for many years in Topeka. She was a member of Family of God Church. She married H. Jack Echols. He died in 1997.Mrs. Echols was also preceded in death by five brothers, Edgar, Elmer, Frank, Johnnie and Edward James; and a sister, Mattie James.Survivors include five sons, Marion Payne and wife Shirley, Aurora, Neb.; William Payne and wife Karla Wright, Olathe, Elmer Joe Payne and wife Chloe, Lawrence, Earl Payne and wife Cynthia, Monterey, Calif., and Clarence Payne and wife Alice, Tecumseh; a brother, Ray “Pete” James and wife Bonnie, Topeka; a sister, Ruth Meyer, Topeka; 11 grandchildren, Jeff, David, Michael, Greg, Christopher and Matthew Payne, Vicki Krueger, Michele Hawkins, Lisa Donovan, Lori Poland and Debbie Widman; and 19 great-grandchildren.The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday and from noon to 1 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.The family suggests memorials to Family of God Church, 1231 NW Eugene St., Topeka, KS 66608. Online condolences may be sent at penwellgabel.com.