Sandra Sue Helbert of Emporia, died on Friday, October 23, 2026, at her home. She was 81.

Sandra was born on June 9, 1945, in Emporia, Kansas, the daughter of Eugene G. Ziegler and Oneida Elizabeth Maddock Ziegler. She married Glen Ensminger in 1963 and later divorced. She married Michael C. Helbert (“Mike”) in 1978.

She is survived by her: husband Mike of the home; son, Dallas Ensminger and his partner, Konnie, of Belton, Missouri; son, Michael R. Helbert, his wife, Cassandra, and their children, Livia and William, of Phoenix, Arizona; daughter, Paige Ensminger and her partner, Cole Barnes, of Lawrence, Kansas; sister, Geri Gadino and her husband, Rene, of Pleasant Hill, Missouri; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Jeanne Ziegler Wesolowski.

Sandra, known as "Sandy" to her classmates, lived a full and remarkable life. She served as a class officer during two years of high school and remained actively involved with her classmates throughout her life, working for many years on the committee that organized class reunions. She treasured the opportunity to reconnect with lifelong friends at every reunion.

Over the years, Sandra worked as a travel agent for International Tours, spent many years with Glacier Petroleum, raised three children, and patiently waited until the very end for Mike to mature as a husband. She attended Emporia State University for two years while working full-time and excelled academically. She later worked for the WIC program and at Stein Mart in Topeka. In 1998, Sandra joined Mike's law practice and remained an integral part of the office until her retirement in 2018.

Sandra loved fashion, entertaining, and home décor. Looking good was important to her, and so was creating a beautiful home. She worked closely with contractors in designing the family home built in 2000. As anyone who knew Sandra can attest, once one room was finished, she was already planning improvements to the next. It was truly a labor of love, and she took immense pride in creating a warm and beautiful home for family and friends.

Sandra was active in her community and was a member of Beta Sigma Phi for more than sixty years. The Heart Dance, put on by Beta Sigma Phi, was a huge event for her every year. Mike had to be educated about its importance and the fact that she was crowned Queen in 1969. She cherished her lifelong friendships within the organization and enjoyed participating in its many activities and events.

Continuing her service to Emporia, Sandra was a member of Social Service of Emporia and served as its president for one year. Charitable giving was important to her, and she faithfully supported numerous causes. Together, Sandra and Mike established a scholarship at Emporia State University in memory of their mothers, providing financial assistance to students in need and creating a legacy that will continue for years to come.

Her family, both immediate and extended, was very important to her and keeping in touch with nieces and nephews was required. She also opened the doors to her home many times for extended stays by family and international travelers. Her sisters were always close, and she loved and admired Jeanne and Geri. Jeanne received a lifesaving stem cell transplant from Sandra before Jeanne ultimately passed away. Geri was a rock for her during her battle with Alzheimer’s. She was a mama bear for her children and was blessed with grandchildren in the last three years of her life.

Her love for travel took her to Europe to visit Italy three times, to Greece, to the Netherlands, and to Germany. She traveled extensively in the USA, going to all but two states, visiting Alaska and going to Hawaii five times. Maui was her favorite Hawaiian island and getting to the top of mount Haleakala was a special treat. She visited much of Canada, traveling to Vancouver Island, mainland British Columbia, Alberta, Quebec, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. Mexico and the Cayman Islands were also favorites.

Sandra courageously battled Alzheimer's disease for eight years. The disease ultimately claimed her life peacefully in her sleep at home. One of her final blessings was having all of her children, grandchildren, and her sister, Geri, gathered with her the weekend before her passing. Thankfully, she recognized them and shared those precious moments before the end of her long goodbye.

A Celebration of Life honoring Sandra's exceptional life will be held at Champions Landing on December 5, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., with a sharing of memories beginning at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Alzheimer's Association , SOS, Inc., or Smile Train. Contributions may be sent in care of Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home, P.O. Box 175, Emporia, Kansas 66801.