Helen Ruth Pilcher

Helen Ruth Pilcher, 80, of Kirtland NM died peacefully in her sleep on May 8th 2024.

Helen Ruth Rogers was born on December 5th 1943 in Los Alamos, New Mexico to Charlie and Florine Rogers, during the Manhattan Project. After the war, her father moved Helen and her family to a farm in Dolores, CO. On the farm, she was tasked with running a tractor, herding turkeys and cattle on foot, and other chores. She was active in the Farmer’s Union, a Rainbow Girl (Masons), and played trumpet in the band at Dolores High. She met her future husband Duane Pilcher at a Farmer’s Union picnic at Summit Lake. She married Duane on August 27th 1961. They lived in Fort Collins CO, Cove AZ, Hobbs NM, Las Cruces NM, Farmington NM, and finally settled down and spent the rest of her life in Kirtland, NM, raising their three children, Rena, Mechelle, and Robert.

Helen was a devout Christian, and a light for those who knew her. A talented seamstress, artist, a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She and Duane joined the Tabernacle Baptist Church in the late 70s, where she remained as a member and volunteer, while the Church evolved over the years into the now Hills Church. Helen and Duane spent over thirty years as 4H leaders, and she was a member of the Four Corners Horsemen Association. She used her talents as a seamstress to make uniforms for Holiday Inn and First National Bank during the 80s, and loved to paint with local artists. Helen spent much of her life using her talents to spread joy and love in others. She was active in her children’s lives, often hauling horses to rodeos, 4H horse shows, and Quarter horse shows. Helen loved to help Duane cook, bake, can, tend their garden, and enjoyed crocheting afghans for friends and family.

Helen was a master conversationalist, and loved to talk to anyone who would talk with her.

Helen is preceded in death by her parents, brother Jim, sisters Eleandor and Joan, and sons Steven and Daniel Franklin. She is survived by her husband, Duane, children, Rena, Mechelle Bruce (Jay), Robert, grandchildren, Justin, Nathan Baron (Stacy), Olivia Blackwell (Issac), Brianna “Leo” Bruce, great-grandchildren, Atalyse and Jericho Baron, brother Chuck Rogers, sisters Janet Kittell and Cathy Shields, nieces, nephews, and extended family.

A memorial of her life will be held on Wednesday May 15th at 11am, with reception to follow at Hills Church Student Building, 5101 N Dustin Farmington, NM 87401. All funeral arrangements are under the direction of Alternative Choice, 804 N Dustin Ave Farmington, NM 87401