Wamego Reporter, Thursday, Dec. 5, 1940, page 1:
Mrs. Ed Vilven
Helena (Dietrich) Vilven was born April 7th, 1877, near Alta Vista, Kansas. She was the daughter of Zachariah and Elizabeth Dietrich, pioneer residents of this locality. She passed away Friday noon, Nov. 29th, at the Genn Hospital in Wamego.

She was united in marriage on September 3rd, 1895, to Edmund J. Vilven. To this union were born eight children, six sons and two daughters, Sterlin M. and Merle E. of Houston, Texas, Frank A., north of Wamego, Mrs. Virginia Frye, of Broughton, Kansas, Mrs. Genevieve Kling of Council Grove, Kansas, Ed E. of Alma, John J. of Ogden, Utah, and Carl Max of the home.

Mrs. Vilven was a faithful member of the Royal Neighbor Lodge at Wamego, and served at all times when called upon, until health did not permit her to do so.

Mrs. Vilven, who spent most of her life in this community, was a woman of the highest type, who received the friendship and goodwill of all who knew her. Her circle of acquaintances were wide and her friends many, for she was one who was ever ready to sacrifice her own comfort and personal interest for the benefit of others. Her generosity was of the kind that gave with a quick hand material aid and relief to those in need. She was broadminded and sympathetic.
To her husband and children, the life as lived by her is a priceless heritage and inspiration and will linger always in their memories.

When in our midst a few weeks ago little did we realize that her days with us were numbered. After having recovered completely from a severe infection on her face about two years ago, just one week from the day she was brought home from the hospital, she was stricken with an acute case of appendicitis. She was again taken to the Genn Hospital and all that skill and love could do, did not save this precious life. Last Friday noon after intense suffering from this dreaded disease (diabetes) and severe attack, our wife and mother passed on to eternal sleep.
All in all Mrs. Vilven was a woman with faults common to humanity, but with so long a list of good qualities and good deeds to her credit, that in her passing this community has suffered a severe loss.

She is survived by her husband, the eight children, twelve grandchildren, three sisters and three brothers, one brother and one sister and her parents having preceded her in death.
Funeral services were held Monday afternoon from the Methodist Church with pastor, the Rev. Paul Vielguth in charge. Burial was in the Wamego Cemetery.