Helen E. "Hlatky" Ayers

Helen E. Ayers, 85, of Slatington, passed away peacefully on October 8, 2025, in the presence of family, at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest. Helen and her husband, Dr. William E. Ayers, celebrated 62 wonderful years of marriage in April of this year.

Born in Allentown on June 21, 1940, Helen was the eldest daughter of the late John P. and Helen I. (Kish) Hlatky. She is survived by her husband, Bill, daughter Wendy Elizabeth, and granddaughter Abigail Elizabeth. Also surviving are siblings, John Hlatky, Joseph (Nancy) Hlatky, Rosemary (Mark) Reitz, and several nieces and nephews.

Helen was a top 10 graduate from Allentown High School in 1958, graduated Summa Cum Laude with a B.A. from Muhlenberg College in 1962, and received her M.Ed. from Kutztown State College in 1969.

Beginning as an elementary teacher, then eventually moving on to Raub Middle School's Blue Team, Helen worked in the Allentown School District for 36 years, enjoying her time teaching young people about the world around them and its significance to their lives. At ASD, she helped develop student curriculum and conducted teacher workshops. Continuing her talents with students and teachers, she partnered with several organizations, including PP&L, Game Preserve, Poole Wildlife Sanctuary, America on Wheels, and Nolde Environmental Education Center.

Helen enriched and enhanced her teaching skills by attending sessions at state and national science education conferences, becoming greatly involved in several educational organizations including NEA, PSEA, AEA, NSTA, and PSTA, where she was an active member of their convention committee for 20+ years. She participated in the development of state-wide standards and assessments in the areas of Science and Environment & Ecology, and very much enjoyed her time as an instructor in summer institutes for teachers.

After retirement, Helen began another phase of her life, thrilled to become Gramma to Abigail Elizabeth! Her commitment to children continued with her loving, caring for, and enriching of Abigail's life. Helen and Bill, over the course of several years, visited Lampeter PA, worked on the Lampeter home, and explored Lancaster County. In 2005, Helen was present at Abigail's birth, becoming an integral part of her granddaughter's young life. Eventually Helen joyfully celebrated Abigail's return to the Lehigh Valley, encouraging her to grow, meeting her in the mornings at the bus stop, going to her concerts and musicals, and taking her on vacation to "Our Place at the Beach" in Ocean City MD.

Helen was a member of St. John's UCC, Laurys Station since 1970. She served on or chaired several committees including Church Council, Worship & Music, Stewardship, Christian Education, Youth Group, Laurys Station Community Day, and the Kitchen Committee, on which she spent many years comforting families by organizing and conducting funeral luncheons. Helen, Bill, Wendy, and eventually Abigail sang on the Church Choir, worshiping and celebrating their faith. Helen also enjoyed using her talents in different ways by teaching Sunday School and Confirmation classes, and playing significant roles in many years of Vacation Bible School.

Helen had several hobbies and interests like antiquing, cooking, gardening and helping Bill with the on-going renovation of their 1800's farmhouse. In addition to traveling to Lampeter, PA and Ocean City, MD, she and Bill travelled to various cities to attend science conventions and to Philadelphia with close friends for a few Eagles games.

A celebration of Helen's life will be held at 11:00 am. on Friday, November 28, 2025, at St. John's U.C.C., 1415 Rising Sun Road, Laurys Station, PA 18059. Family and friends may pay their respects from 9:30 – 11:00 am. at the church prior to the service. The Heintzelman Funeral Home, Inc., in Schnecksville is in charge of arrangements. Online expressions of sympathy may be recorded at www.heintzelmancares.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Helen's name to St. John's U.C.C. Memorial Fund c/o the funeral home, P.O. Box # 196, Schnecksville, PA 18078-0196.

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