Helen Delores Harden, 93, of Atchison, KS died on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at the Atchison Medicalodge.
Helen was born on Feb. 23, 1932, in Old Huron, KS, the daughter of Lester Lee, and Lorena Sedila (Hawk) Chalfant, SR. She graduated from Atchison County Community High School in1949. She attended the Kansas City General Hospital School of Nursing earning her Registered Nursing degree in 1953. Helen later earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Benedictine College in 1986. She worked as an RN for the Atchison Hospital for many years, retiring in 1996. She opened the first Intensive Care Unit at Atchison Hospital, taught nursing at Vo-Tech’s LPN school, and taught CNA students in the three county area. She also worked as the Director of Nursing for Atchison Senior Village. She was a member of the Lancaster United Methodist Church, and the Order of the Eastern Star. Helen enjoyed reading and spending time with family.
She was married to Victor Harden on April 11, 1953. He preceded her in death on Sept. 9, 1999. Survivors include two daughters Peggy Harden, Atchison, KS and Jackie Harden, Lynnwood, WA and numerous nieces and nephews. Her parents, husband, brother Lester L. Chalfant, Jr. and sister Doris Jean Rogers, preceded her in death.
Cremation care is planned with a grave side service at a later date in the Old Huron Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Shriner’s Crippled Children’s Hospital or the American Lung Association and may be sent in care of the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home who is handling the arrangements.
