Helen June Heard

Helen June Heard passed away on July 7, 2026 in Cottonwood, Arizona at the age of 95. She was the widow of Kenneth Ray Heard. Born in Percilla, Texas on May 4, 1931, she was the only daughter of Wallace and Linna Scoggin. The family moved to Pueblo, Colorado when Helen was a young girl, and she continued to live in the Pueblo/Penrose area until 2006. She graduated from Centennial High School, became a psychiatric technician and licensed practical nurse, and worked at the Colorado State Hospital and then the Colorado Women's Correctional Facility, where she was the Assistant Superintendent. She influenced many troubled women during her career, helping them to turn their lives around.

Helen and Kenny traveled extensively in their motorhome, spending winters in South Texas after retiring. She loved canning and quilting and was proficient at both. However, she will be remembered most for her love of family. She was the ultimate role model, was fiercely steadfast, and was a pillar of strength, courage, and resilience. She contributed greatly to the accomplishments of her kids, grandkids, and great grandkids. She always put family first and showed it with innumerable acts of selflessness.

Helen moved to Florida in 2006 for the sole purpose of helping to care for two of her great grandchildren. She was with them from infancy until the ages of 12 and 14. At that time, she moved back to Colorado, and then to Arizona to be near family. She was preceded in death by her husband in 2004. She is survived by children Kenneth Elliott Heard (Bonnie) and Virginia Gail Dyche (Bob); grandchildren Richard Sauer (Jill), Jeffrey Sauer (Amber), Lynna Schiller (Randy), and Shelly Woolsey. Great grandchildren include Luke Sauer, Lauren Sauer, Ben Sauer, Ryan Brown, Megan Schiller, and Christina Schiller.

Viewing/visitation will be held on Friday, July 17 between 12:00 and 1:00 p.m., followed by a funeral service, at T.G. McCarthy Funeral Home in Pueblo. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to an animal welfare organization of your choice in Helen's name.