Helen S. Slusser

A private internment service for the family will be held Saturday, April 7 at 10:00 A.M. A memorial service for Helen will be held Saturday, April 7, 2018 at 1:30 P.M. PM at West Fork Presbyterian Church, 908 Santerre Drive, Grand Prairie, Texas. Rev. James H. Powell, Sr. will officiate at both services.

Helen was born in Canadian, Texas, the daughter of Thomas Studer and Pearl Nix Studer. She grew up in rural Texas on the family’s ranch where she participated in the farming and ranching tasks of the family. Helen earned her under graduate degree in education from Texas Women’s College and was a graduate of North Texas State University holding a Master of Arts degree in education. She was devoted to the caring and upbringing of children, both her own four sons and the many students she enjoyed over the years. She spent much of her adult life as a resident of Arlington, Texas raising her sons there.

In later life, she lived in Austin and Burnet where she taught and provided private tutoring to elementary and middle school students. Upon her return to the DFW area, she continued her professional career as a tutor for special needs students. Helen developed specific curricula and methods that greatly improved the reading ability and comprehension of the children in her care. Over the course of her long and distinguished career, she was recognized with several state and local awards for her achievements in helping special needs students. Her warm, caring approach and positive attitude were added benefits to her students and her beloved family.

Helen enjoyed traveling and adventures. She made many trips to Mexico and Europe taking in the culture and bringing back photos and colorful stories of her experiences getting to know the customs and residents of the communities she visited. From her days as a girl enjoying life outdoors on the ranch, Helen continued to pursue outdoor adventures including hiking and fishing.

She was a strong outspoken woman who made it clear how she felt about what was happening in her life and the world in general. Although she was quiet and polite in social situations and professional venues, her family members had no doubt about her beliefs and her opinions on the plans and activities of her children and grandchildren.

At 90 years of age, Helen was still getting up at 5:00 A.M. each morning, exercising and planning her day of getting on the road. She loved to drive, get her hair and nails done, and eat out often in the company of her long-time friend Anita Garmon. She attended West Fork Presbyterian Church with Anita.

Over the past 20 months, Helen’s mobility and mental acuity began to fail her. She found this very frustrating but kept her spirits up and always had a positive attitude.