Helen R. Walters

January 25, 1934- July 21, 2026

Helen Ruby Walters was born on January 25, 1934, in Springfield, Colorado, in Baca County. Her childhood was one of adventure and change as her family moved several times across the country. In 1937, they relocated to Delta, Colorado, and in 1942 to El Cerrito, California, in the San Francisco Bay Area. In June 1947, the family settled in Sublette, Kansas, where Helen graduated from Sublette High School in 1952.

From an early age, Helen developed a remarkable work ethic. During her school years, she worked for local farmers and babysat, learning the value of responsibility, service, and perseverance. Following graduation, she served as secretary to the Haskell County Agriculture Agent and Home Demonstration Agent before beginning the next chapter of her life.

On January 18, 1953, Helen married the love of her life, Elbert DeVerne Walters. Together they built a marriage rooted in faith, devotion, and family. They began their life together in Wichita, Kansas, where their two children were born Diane in 1956 and James in 1958. She wrote that her "number one priority, pride, and joy" were her children, and those who knew her would say the same. Nothing brought her greater happiness than watching her family grow through the generations. The family then moved to Aurora, Colorado, in June 1963 where they raised their family.

Starting in 1968 Helen dedicated more than two decades to serving children through Aurora Public Schools. As part of the district's pilot program for teacher aides, she worked at Crawford Elementary School, Montview Elementary School, and Kenton Elementary School in the federally funded Title I Reading Program. She found great joy in helping children learn to read, believing that education opened doors and changed lives. Her patience, kindness, and encouragement left a lasting impression on countless students and families.

Helen's Christian faith was the foundation upon which she built her life. She was a charter member of Gateway Christian Church, where she taught Sunday School and participated in other ministries and bible studies until 1996. She then became an active member of The Church in Aurora. After moving to St. Louis, Missouri, in 2013, she became a member of Crestwood Christian Church, where she quickly found a welcoming church family. When Elbert's health made it difficult to travel to church, Helen and Elbert refused to let that become a barrier to worship. Instead, they helped bring the church to the residents of Crestview Senior Living, where they lived. Through their faith, initiative, and encouragement, regular worship services were established at the community—a ministry that continues to this day, enriching the lives of countless residents.

Outside of her work and ministry, she enjoyed gardening, canning and she had a deep appreciation for quilts and the rich quilting tradition in her family. While she was not a quilter herself, every quilt she received became a treasured reminder of the love and care with which it had been made. She cherished thoughtful gifts, especially those created by hand, because she saw them as lasting expressions of the people who gave them.

When she was in the hospital, her church family at Crestwood Christian Church lovingly gave her a quilt. She was using it while in hospice and she requested to be buried with it—a final testament to the faith, friendship, and love that surrounded her throughout her life.

Helen leaves behind her beloved daughter, Diane Walters and her husband, Christopher Risker, and her beloved son, James Walters and his wife, Kathleen. She was a devoted grandmother to Jennifer Risker, Sara Risker and her husband, Andrew Bristow, and James and Dylan Walters. In her later years, she delighted in becoming a great-grandmother to Elaine and Steven Bristow, whose lives brought her immense joy.

Helen will be remembered for her unwavering faith, gentle spirit, servant's heart, and quiet strength. Whether she was helping a child discover the joy of reading, supporting her family, serving her church, or expressing heartfelt gratitude for the kindness of others, she lived a life marked by humility, compassion, and grace. Her legacy lives on in the family she cherished, the many lives she touched, and the steadfast faith that guided her every step.

"Well done, good and faithful servant."

Matthew 25:23

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A graveside service will be held on Saturday, August 1, 2026 at 10:30AM at Olinger Eastlawn Cemetery, 19600 E. Smith Rd. Aurora, CO 80011. A reception will follow at Advantage Aurora Chase from 11:30-1:30PM at 1095 Havana St. Aurora, CO 80010.