Helen Louise Jackson Spuhler

Helen Louise Jackson Spuhler, 83, passed away September 27, 2019 following an extended illness.                                                                                      

Helen was born July 20, 1936 in Logan, Utah, the daughter of Evelyn Poppleton Gunnel and Alma Orin Jackson.

Helen graduated from South Cache High School in 1954 and was offered a music scholarship to Utah State University.  Helen married Lynn Spuhler in 1955 in the Salt Lake City Temple.  A shortage of finances prevented both from attending the University, so Helen went to work for the Mountain Bell Telephone Company as a switchboard operator, where she worked until 1958.

During the next five years, while her husband was on an assignment with the United States Air Force, Helen would pick up college level classes whenever possible, working toward her college degree.  After settling in Mesa, Helen returned to school full time, graduating from Mesa Community College with an Association in Arts Degree.  Helen went on to attend Arizona State University graduation Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in elementary education in 1978.  While at Arizona State University Helen was initiated as a member of the Beta Pi chapter of Kappa Delta Pi.

Following graduation, Helen went to work for Mesa Public Schools teaching at Webster Elementary, where she would teach for the next 24 years before retiring in 2002.  After retirement she continued as a substitute teacher for several more years.

Helen showed an interest in each and every student, working with the student and parent to draw out the very best in each one.  She was loved by her students and greatly respected by her peers.

Helen was also an excellent piano teacher giving private piano lessons for a period of 20 plus years.  She delighted in showing off her student’s talents in the annual piano recitals she presented.  She was always eager to share her musical talent with others.

Helen was an active member in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints serving in the Young Woman and Relief Society programs of the church.   She also served as ward organist of the Flint Ward during a ten year stay in Michigan.

Helen is survived by her husband of 64 years, Lynn, children: Karen Louise Spuhler Hubbard and David Lynn Spuhler (Kristen), grandchildren: Christopher Hubbard, Taylor Hubbard, Emma Spuhler Ballew (Marqus), and Maggie Spuhler, and siblings: Joy Brown, Marianne Lausmann, David Hendrick and Stephen Hendrick.

Helen is preceded in death by her parents and Sister Vivian.

A Visitation will be held from 6:00 – 8:00 PM, Friday, October 4, 2019 at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Drive in Mesa.  Interment will be held at Providence City Cemetery in River Heights, Utah.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made to the Banner Alzheimer’s Foundation –  https://www.bannerhealthfoundation.org/areas-to-support/banner-alzheimers-foundation