Helen M May

Helen May, 77, passed away peacefully from cancer on August 23, 2021. She died at home, having been cared for by her sister and Hospice of Yuma over the summer. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Tom May, and her brother Paul. She is survived by her sister Ida, and her brothers Rich and Bob, and her daughters Claudia, Caroline, and Cathleen.

The 2nd of Harry and Vona Heath’s 5 children, Helen was born in Fruita, Colorado on October 17, 1943. She grew up a country girl. She was involved in rodeo and horse activities, and worked with her father and brothers building everything from fences to houses. After graduating from Air Academy High School, Helen worked for Farmer’s Insurance and then KKTV in Colorado Springs. She later managed a country store in Black Forest, Colorado.

In 1982 Helen married Tom May and moved to Yuma. She and Tom shared a lifelong commitment to literacy and public education. Helen and Tom began volunteering at Palmcroft Elementary School in 1992, helping kindergarten children learn to read. Later, Helen became indispensable as a full-time volunteer in the library. She began working with Michelle Copeland in 2004, first in the library and then as Michelle’s full time teacher’s aide from 2009 until the volunteer program was suspended due to Covid-19. In total, Helen dedicated herself full-time to volunteer service at Palmcroft for 29 years.

Helen leaves behind a network of lifelong friends in Yuma, Colorado and beyond. She was beloved by every person lucky enough to know her.

Helen requested there be no public services and that people remember her through random acts of kindness.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.johnsonmortuaryyuma.com for the May family.