Helen Zeiler was born on August 2, 1930 to Charles G. Johnson and Olivia M. (Dooley) Johnson at home in Creede, Colorado. She was the third of four children and the second of three girls. She passed away peacefully in Del Norte, Colorado at the hospital on December 23, 2015.

She grew up in Creede until she graduated from the Creede High School. She made her first home in South Fork, CO, but later moved to Del Norte and lived there until she relocated to The Legacy in Monte Vista in 1998. During her stay in Del Norte, she married Harry Zeiler in 1976 and was entertained by him until his death in 2005.

Helen had a mind for remembering the smallest details about her childhood days in Creede and loved to tell stories about her experiences there. She absolutely loved to talk about anything and everything and it was always a task to squeeze a word in edge wise when conversing with her. She could remember details about people, places and events like no other and could easily put those memories to words with the drop of a hat.

She was a homemaker for most of her life, but worked at the 4 U R Ranch, Creede Post Office, Center Post Office and the Del Norte Bank over the years.
She was a member of the Pioneer United Church in Del Norte, Val Alto Study Club, Eastern Star and the Del Norte Bridge Clubs. Her interests were sewing, reading, knitting, gardening and most importantly, visiting with family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents Charles G. and Olive M. (Dooley) Johnson, her only son, Donald E. McCallister, Jr. at age 6, her older sister, Mary Louise Leary of Albuquerque, NM, and older brother, Charles Edward Johnson of Creede and her husband Harry Zeiler of Del Norte.

She is survived by her younger sister, Elizabeth Ellis of Nixa, MO, her children Karen (Tom) Hipsher of Anchorage, AK, Mary K. (Brian) Roberts of Monte Vista, CO, Lloyd (Judy) Wright of Del Norte, CO, Beverly (Tom) Michoski of Fort Collins, CO, Christine (Denny) Sechrist of Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, Barbara (Rod) Mayes of Denver, CO, Lynette Zeiler of Fort Collins, CO and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.

In her life, Helen was most proud of her children and she loved to laugh, talk and remember the good times.

Cremation was chosen by Helen and her family. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 2, 2016 at The Legacy in Monte Vista, Co at 2:00 pm. Her ashes will be interred in the Del Norte Cemetery at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to either The Legacy Activity Fund or the Rio Grande Hospital in Del Norte, CO. Contributions can be made through Rogers Family Mortuary in Monte Vista. To express condolences, please visit www.rogersfunerals.com.

The family is most appreciative of the staff members of The Legacy and the doctors, nurses and staff members of the Rio Grande County Hospital.