Sandra Jane Helmers was born on July 30, 1942 to Sarah and Emmett (Bud) Hall, and passed away peacefully on October 3, 2024 surrounded by her loved ones. A lifelong West Texan, she graduated from Eldorado High School in May of 1960. Just one week later, on June 4, 1960, she married her high school sweetheart, Bobby Helmers, beginning a 64-year marriage filled with love, devotion, and ranch life between Christoval and Eldorado.
Together, they raised two daughters: Paige, born in 1961, and Staci, born in 1969. Sandra was a devoted mother and an active presence in the lives of her children and, later, her grandchildren.
While raising her family, Sandra pursued her teaching degree from Angelo State University and taught in Eldorado and then in Christoval for more than twenty years. Known as a strict but compassionate teacher, she made a lasting impact on her students, many of whom fondly remember “Mrs. Helmers” and her famous sentence-writing exercises. Her love for education and nurturing spirit extended beyond the classroom, touching the lives of countless students. She once gave a favorite student this memorable advice, “There is more to life than driving around Christoval and throwing beer bottles at stop signs.”
Sandra’s deep faith guided her throughout life. She was a devoted member of the First Presbyterian Church of Eldorado, where she served in numerous roles over the years, including Sunday School teacher, youth group leader, choir director, and handbell director. One of her most enjoyable roles in the church was her work with the LEON youth group, a large group of teenagers from the Presbyterian and Methodist churches. Each year, the Helmers cosponsored a ski trip during Spring Break for over 50 students. These trips truly were a labor of love that combined one of her favorite pastimes with the sharing of the gospel. Her leadership and dedication were a cornerstone of the church community. She was also an active member of the Schleicher County Library Board and a passionate supporter of the West Texas Rehabilitation Center.
An enthusiastic sports fan, Sandra loved supporting the Christoval Cougars, the Eldorado Eagles, the Texas Longhorns, and the Dallas Cowboys. Whether cheering on her daughters and granddaughters or embracing her role as a coach’s wife, sports were always an integral part of her life. She formed lasting bonds with many of Bobby’s players over the years and was frequently found courtside at basketball games, track meets and tennis matches. One spring, Sandra and the girls were on the way to a state qualifier track meet when she was pulled over for speeding. When the trooper asked her if there was an emergency, she simply replied, “We are going to miss the sprint relay!”
In her spare time, Sandra enjoyed reading, snow skiing, shopping and traveling. Above all, Sandra’s greatest joy came from spending time with her family. She adored her granddaughters, Macy Michalewicz and Blake Jenkins, who were truly the light of her life.
Sandra is survived by her beloved husband of 64 years, Bobby; her daughters Paige Franklin and husband Joe, Staci Jenkins and husband Monte; and her granddaughters Macy Michalewicz and Blake Jenkins.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the Schleicher County Nursing Home, Hospice of San Angelo, and Sandra’s private sitters: Amy Ortiz, Mary Ponce, Lizzie Fuentes, Alicia Martinez, and Josefa Fuentes, for their compassionate care. Sandra's final year was filled with comfort and grace, thanks to the devoted attention she received. Their loving care greatly enhanced her quality of life, allowing her to spend her remaining days surrounded by kindness and support.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the West Texas Rehab Center, the Schleicher County Library, or the First Presbyterian Church of Eldorado.
A memorial service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church in Eldorado on Monday, October 7, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. A private burial service will be held at the Christoval Cemetery.
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