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Helen Salyer passed away after a life filled with adventure and accomplishment on February 5, 2008. Born on September 26, 1917 in Mountainburg, Arkansas, Helen was the 10th child of John Preston and Ora Mae Salyer. After completing her Bachelor's degree at the University of Arkansas, she devoted herself to a career as an elementary school teacher, having taught briefly in Arkansas and then in Albuquerque, New Mexico beginning in 1944. While in Albuquerque, she taught at University Heights Grade school as well as Emerson and Duranes Elementary schools. Furthering her education, Helen went on to earn her Master's of Arts in Library Science at the University of New Mexico in 1965 on the same day as her niece, Elissa - an accomplishment they shared with many throughout the years. Her career was spent as an educator and librarian, but her passion was in travel and exploring New Mexico and the far reaches of the globe with friends and family. Her travels included hiking to the top of Pedernal Peak, exploring ice caves, and visiting more than 120 countries, the last of which was Iceland only a few years ago. Combining her passion for travel and education, she shared stories of her travels with all of her more than 1200 students. She continued this trend during retirement as a docent at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center and the Museum of Albuquerque. A supporter of social justice throughout the world, Helen enriched the lives of all that had the pleasure of knowing her, including three generations of her extended family. Helen is lovingly survived by her nieces; Elissa L. Allen and her husband ;Charles Manley, and Carol L. LaFaver, all of Santa Fe, New Mexico; her grand-nieces and grand-nephews, Marisa Allen, her husband ,Joe Schwartz, and their son, Miles; Paul Allen, his wife, Shannon, and their daughter Morgan, all of Santa Fe; Amy Ratliff and her husband, Wayne, of Lompoc, California; and Jeremy LaFaver of Albuquerque. Being one of ten children, there are countless other nieces, nephews, friends, and family that also survive Helen Salyer. Helen's family would like to thank the home health aides and staff at Manzano del Sol for their care and concern during the last of Helen's many years. In lieu of a service and flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Helen's honor to the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, 2401 12th St. NW Albuquerque, NM 87104.
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