02/19/2026
Helenruth Marshall Welsby passed away peacefully on February 18, 2026. Born on March 7, 1926, in Wichita, Kansas, she was the eldest of five children of Phillip Edward and Gertrude (Helen) Lawless Marshall.
Rosary, 7pm, Sunday, February 22 and Funeral Mass, 10:30am, Monday, February 23, BOTH at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church, 11000 Southwest BLVD, Wichita, KS.
Helenruth attended Blessed Sacrament Catholic Elementary School and Cathedral Catholic High School, graduating in 1943. She continued her education at Sacred Heart Junior College and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Marymount College in Salina, Kansas, in 1947. During her senior year at Marymount, she was honored as May Queen.
After graduation, Helenruth worked as a medical technologist at St. Joseph Hospital in Kansas City. Although she was a valued employee and enjoyed her work, she returned to Wichita to be closer to her family. With the help of her younger sister Annie and her best friend, Helenruth was introduced to Ralph D. Welsby, beginning a relationship that spanned over 75 years. The couple married on October 1, 1949, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church.
Helenruth worked at St. Francis Hospital in Wichita before deciding to dedicate herself to raising their growing family. She remained active by serving in various volunteer roles. She completed both 2-year and 4-year Biblical Studies courses through the Diocese of Wichita and spent several years teaching CCD (PSR). Helenruth also supervised the hot-lunch program at St. Peter’s School, managing commodities, student lunch accounts, and even stepping in to cook when needed.
A proud alumna of Sacred Heart Junior Academy (now Newman University), Helenruth was a tireless supporter of her alma mater. In 1989, she was honored with the “Maria DeMattias Alumni Award” from Newman University for her exceptional service and dedication. She continued her service by mentoring student lectors at St. Peter’s Catholic School. In 1999, during Catholic Schools Week, Helenruth was recognized by the Catholic Diocese of Wichita for her “above and beyond” stewardship to Catholic schools.
Helenruth enjoyed sewing and was an active member of her quilting club. She kept her mind sharp by working on the Sunday paper crossword puzzle. Her homemade strawberry rhubarb pie, strawberry jam and rocky road bars were loved by many.
Helenruth is survived by her devoted husband of 76 years, Ralph, and their seven children: Sr. Susan Welsby, ASC, of Wichita; Patricia Collins (Mike) of Tulsa, OK; Joan Walters (Kenneth) of Wichita; E. Christine Bond (Greg) of Scottsdale, AZ; Mary Legge (Dan) of Little Elm, TX; Cecile Welsby of Ft. Lauderdale, FL; and Eric Welsby (Deborah) of Wichita. She also leaves behind 16 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren, as well as her sister Annellen Buche Conroy of Illinois.
Helenruth will be remembered for her unwavering faith, dedication to her family, and especially her wonderful sense of humor and witty comebacks.
Memorials has been established with Guadalupe Clinic 940 S St. Francis Wichita, KS 67211 and Newman University 3100 W McCormick, Wichita, KS 67213.
