http://www.theoutdoorwire.com/image_archive/2119968.jpg> Helen Kinsey (Photo courtesy Kinsey's)

Helen M. Kinsey, family matriarch, archery product distributor and co-founder/treasurer of Kinsey's Archery Products in Mount Joy, Pa., died Sunday, Sept. 29, while surrounded by her family. She was 94.

Born in Maytown, Pa., April 26, 1919, Helen was the wife of the late Vernon Kinsey, who died July 11, 1998.

Along with Vernon, Helen started Kinsey's Archery Products Inc. in the early 1950s, and she continued working there until her death. Both Kinseys were avid archers, and after an accident prevented Vernon from working in his chosen avocation as a shoemaker in 1949, archers began bringing their equipment to him for repair and assistance.

The Kinsey's Archery website notes that 1951 was an important year for the archery in The Keystone State, after the Pennsylvania Game Commission first created a separate, statewide archery deer-hunting season. In 1957, the state buck-only season was changed to permit does to be taken by bowhunters, and interest in archery and bowhunting increased dramatically as the Kinseys found themselves in a position to become deeply involved in the business of archery equipment distribution.

As growth and expansion continued to take place in the years that followed, in 1986 Kinsey's Archery Products, Inc. moved into its current 48,200 square-foot facility.

In 1998, a group of investors, including some Kinsey family members, launched Kinsey's Outdoors, Inc., a separate company from Kinsey's Archery Products, Inc. In 2007 the owners of Kinsey's Archery completed a full buyout of Kinsey's Outdoors and continue to operate the retail business separate from the archery distribution company.

Her obituary describes Mrs. Kinsey as an avid outdoorswoman, a lifelong member of Trinity Lutheran Church and a charter member of the Big Chiques Archery Club. The most important thing to Helen was spending time with her family and the family business.

"Helen was an extraordinary woman, grandmother and friend. She was deeply committed to her family and the family business," granddaughter Sherri Kinsey Gorman, vice president of operations for Kinsey's Archery, wrote on the company Facebook page last week. "While her passing is difficult, we take comfort in knowing that she lived and passed just as she wished. She lived independently in her own home until the end. And, until last Thursday, she was making everyone at Kinsey's smile as she delivered the mail."

Mrs. Kinsey is survived by her son, James V. Kinsey, husband of Christine Bhe Kinsey of Elizabethtown, PA. Also surviving are two grandchildren, two great grandchildren, four step-grandchildren, 15 step-great grandchildren, and three step-great great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a sister, Miriam Sauder.

A Funeral Service honoring her life was held at Trinity Lutheran Church, Mount Joy, on Thursday, October 3. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice and Community Care 685 Good Drive, P.O. Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604 (or by visiting hospiceandcommunitycare.org). Online condolences, please visi www.sheetzfuneralhome.com.

- The Archery Wire

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