May 7, 1943 – May 23, 2026

Jan Rule Milligan passed away peacefully at home in Prairie Village, Kansas, on May 23, 2026.

Born in Louisiana, Missouri, to William Finley Milligan and Louise Rule Milligan, she grew up in Kansas City, Missouri. Graduating from Southwest High School, she attended Christian College, then graduated from the University of Missouri at Columbia, earning a BA. She was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority.

Professionally, Jan was devoted to helping families. She worked several years for the Missouri Division of Family Services and the Jackson County Juvenile Court. Outside of work, Jan was a member of the Junior League of Kansas City, the Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Child Advocacy Service Center. She served a term as president of The Childrens’ Place, and was a life-long member of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church.

Jan was preceded in death by her parents and two sons, Carl Houston Helmstetter, Jr., and Robert Bernard Helmstetter. She is survived by her former husband, Carl H. Helmstetter, Sr.; her children John Finley Helmstetter and Annesley Rule Helmstetter; her brothers, William F. Milligan, Jr. (Gail), and J.L.“Tuck” Milligan II (Mary Ellen). Many extended family members and friends had lives enriched by her kindness, generosity, and friendship.

Jan will be remembered for her warmth, intelligence, strong sense of service, and devotion to family and community. A private funeral service is planned. Memorial donations may be made to St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Kansas City, or any charity of the donor’s choice.