Helen Ruth Clement

Helen Ruth Speer was born on April 15th, 1924, on the family farm in Winters, TX, to Emma (Tyre) Speer and William Henry Speer. She was the youngest of four brothers and one sister. Helen graduated from high school in San Angelo, Texas, in 1941. The Army had an urgent need for Nurses in1942 and offered a full scholarship to those who could pass their exams. Helen earned a scholarship in 1942. In December of 1942, Helen acquired an abdominal infection before the dawn of antibiotics, had major surgery, and returned home to recover. Three years later, she was back at school and graduated from Nurses’ training as a Registered Nurse in February 1948. During her senior year of nursing school, Helen met James Donald Clement. They were married on February 14th, 1948, in Ballinger, Texas. Jim and Helen shared 63 years of marriage before Jim’s death in June of 2011. They adopted a son, James Richard Clement, in March of 1954. Jim and Helen became members of the Chapel of the Resurrection Episcopal Church when they made their home in Limon. Jim and Helen owned retail clothing stores. After they sold out of the clothing business, Jim built a car wash, and Helen went back into nursing at Lincoln Community Hospital at the behest of Dr. Hugo Scarinzi. Helen was both the O.R. supervisor and the nursing home supervisor for a little more than ten years. Nursing was her true calling in life. Jim and Helen set up a scholarship for local students who want to go into the medical field, which they were very proud of. Helen and Jim enjoyed traveling in their retirement and spending more time with friends. Helen had many close friendships, and all who knew her loved her. Helen made everyone feel at home and welcome. Her advice was sincere, and her laugh infectious. Helen moved to Liberty Heights in Colorado Springs in April of 2014, ready for the next chapter in her life. She died peacefully on November 25th, 2020. Helen is preceded by her parents’ and siblings’ death, husband James Donald, son James Richard, niece Judy Speer Guenther. She is survived by her grand-daughter Nicolette Munoz, great-grand-children, Daniel, Chloe, Analise, and Brandon Munoz (Murrieta, CA) nephew Tom Guenther (Monument, CO), great-niece Heather Guenther (Colorado Springs, CO), nephew Michael Kump (Johnson City, TX), daughter in-law Linda Clement, God-daughters Julie McCarthy-Hutmacher (Littleton, CO), Sharon McCarthy- Hansen (Genoa, CO.)