Helen W. Spencer

It is with a broken hearts that we share that our dear mother, grandmother, sister and friend 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 this past year. (P.S. - If she was allowed into heaven it wasn't because of her singing voice! She wasn't afraid of ghosts, 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 is survived by her children Allen (Cheryl) Spencer, Fern Spencer and Grace (Bob) Buskirk. And 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 Buskirk-Kay with baby girl Buskirk-Kay due in February 2026.
Helen is also survived by her siblings Merrial Kasper, Carol Cryderman, Ralph (Karen) Bennett and Rhoda (Bill) Beacom. Surviving in-laws are Alice Bennett (Clayton), John Coveyou (Sylvia). Helen also has many, many cherished nieces and nephews who survive her.
She was preceded in death by her husband Melvin Spencer on January 15, 2015 (her sparring partner for 62 years). Also preceding her were her parents Melvin and Eva (Hiser) (Bennett) Smith. Toddler sister Harriet Bennett and Newborn great grandson Robert John Buskirk. Siblings and in-laws (or out-laws) preceding her in death are Tom and Nancy Bennett, Chet Kasper, Jim Cryderman, Clayton Bennett, Sylvia Coveyou, Geraldine and Greg La Prairie and Gerald Bennett.
Helen experienced many different employment opportunities but her favorite career was being a Registered Nurse. She had a very special relationship with Sir LEO OLIVARES as he played a very important role in getting her into nursing.
She was also able to enjoy many pleasures later in her life - she loved reading mystery novels, playing in her flower gardens, harvesting the bounties of her vegetable gardens, knitting, baking (famous for her cookies and pies), canning, homemade Christmas candies and ice cream. She had the opportunity to go on a 56 day camping trip of a lifetime to Alaska in 2015 with Bob and Grace, Keegan and Camryn. It was this memorable trip that she met Keegan's paternal grandmother ELSA YACOB that developed into a special kind of a friendship. She was treated to a cruise accompanied by family and for her 80th birthday which was taken in 2016. After several years she finally made to El Paso which was their original destination in 1978 when fate brought them to Delmita, TX
She was a number one super fan of the San Isidro ISD athletic events. We are very, very grateful for all the support of the SIISD and the surrounding community members who accepted us part of the Tiger family. We are even more grateful for the numerous extended families- the huge RIVAS CLAN, the GALAN BUNCH, the ADAN TOVAR and JERRY GARCIA FAMILIES - to name just a few. We will always be happy knowing that fate brought her here to all of you in the San Isidro community and surrounding areas and for welcoming the 'gringo/gringas' into your lives. Thank you to one and all. We are truly blessed with the love and support received
There will be no services at this time as she is being cremated per her wishes. We will have a graveside service for her when we place her next to sparring partner (Melvin) in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan in the Spring/Summer of 2026. (The ground there ought to be thawed by June
Ms. Helen (Mom) - Have a great time raising cane (trust me - it won't be sugar cane) with all the family, friends and acquaintances who welcomed you to the perfect home with their many hugs and kisses.
(P.S.S. - Be careful up there not to raise to much cane as there is no jail bail or bribery money accepted in Heaven. Also, be careful to avoid 'flea in your bed' situations - although if you are trying to find a 'sugar daddy step daddy' for your middle child be sure to keep it a big secret from your sparring partner as he'll be watching you.) We all love you dearly We will deeply miss your physical, earthly presence but know you will always hold a special part of our hearts. Rest in Eternal Peace. Until we meet again fly high with the angels.