Helen W. Spencer

It is with broken hearts that we share that our dear mother, grandmother, sister and friend - Helen W Spencer - WALKED ON to Heaven PAIN FREE singing 'Stairway to Heaven' in the mid morning hours Friday, October 31, 2025 at Starr County Nursing and Transitional Care facility in Rio Grande City, TX. Both aforementioned issues had weighed heavily on her heart these past years. (P.S. - She was allowed in heaven but it wasn't because of her singing ability! She wasn't afraid of witches or goblins but apparently didn't feel up to handing out Halloween candy so she began her glorious journey to her final destination – she became our ghost angel.) Helen experienced different employment opportunities in her lifetime, waitressing, various positions within Red Owl/Cedarville Foods but her favorite career was being a Registered Nurse. She was also able to enjoy many hobbies as she loved reading mystery novels, playing in her flower gardens, harvesting the bounties of her vegetable gardens, picking berries, knitting, baking (well known for her cookies and pies), canning, homemade ice cream and Christmas candies. She had the opportunity to go on a 56 day camping trip of a lifetime to Alaska, the summer of 2015, with Bob and Grace, Keegan and Camryn. It was during this memorable trip that they met Keegan's paternal grandmother ELSA YACOB that developed into a special friendship. For her 80th Birthday she was treated to a cruise accompanied by family and friends, which was taken in December of 2016. After several years she finally made it to El Paso, TX which was their original destination when fate brought them to Delmita, TX in February of 1977, they relocated to South Texas in 1983. She is survived by her children Allen (Cheryl) Spencer, Fern Spencer and Grace (Bob) Buskirk. Also survived by their cherished off spring - grandchildren Jamie (Christine) Spencer, Matt (Martha Saenz) Spencer, Teresa (Rick) Plummer and Travis (Sally) Buskirk. Her great-grandchildren Lynnae Spencer, Tylor (Izzy) Payment, Keegan Kassa and Camryn (Tate Kay) Buskirk. Her great-great-grandchildren Blake Payment, Gabe and Lyla Abbott and Dalton Travis KayBuskirk with baby girl KayBuskirk due in February, 2026. In August of 2024 Helen was blessed to be able to have 6 generation pictures taken with her Aunt Laura (Hiser) Winberg representing the first generation and both Blake and Dalton each representing the 6th generation. Helen is also survived by her siblings and their spouse Merrial Kasper, Carol Cryderman, Ralph (Karen) Bennett and Rhoda (Bill) Beacom. Surviving in-laws are Alice Bennett, John Coveyou and Karen Spencer. Helen also has many, many cherished nieces and nephews who survive her. We are very grateful for the numerous extended families here in Texas – The San Isidro ISD Tiger family and the RIVAS, the GALVAN, the TOVAR and the JERRY GARCIA families. She was preceded in death by her husband, Melvin, on January 15, 2015. Also preceding her were her parents Melvin Bennett and Eva (Hiser/Bennett) Smith, siblings and in-laws (or out-laws) are Tom & Nancy Bennett, Chet Kasper, Jim Cryderman, Clayton Bennett, Sylvia Coveyou, Geraldine & Greg LaPrairie and Gerald Bennett. A Heavenly Birthday and Celebration of Life open house was held at the First Baptist Church in San Isidro, TX on Friday, November 14, 2025 on her 90th birthday. We plan to have a graveside service, her grandson Travis Buskirk will preside over the interment service, when we place her next to her sparring partner (Melvin) in the Rockview Cemetery, at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, June 12, 2026 which will be on their 73rd wedding anniversary. A celebratory luncheon will follow the service at Bob and Grace Buskirk’s on M-129 in Cedarville. We all love you dearly! We will deeply miss your physical, earthly presence but know you will always hold a very special part of our hearts. Rest in Eternal Peace. Until we meet again, fly high with the angels! (P.S.S. Mom - Have a great time raising cane (it won't be sugar cane) with all the family, friends and acquaintances who welcomed you to your perfect Heavenly home with their many hugs and kisses. Be careful up there as there is no jail bail or bribery money accepted in Heaven.) Condolences may be given to the family at www.familylifefh.com. Obituary as submitted by family.

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Helen W. Spencer

November 14, 1934 - October 31, 2025