Helen Ann Sauer

Helen Sauer, 79, passed away at her home. Viewing will be at Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder, on Wednesday, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 1st Congregational Church, Thursday at 1 p.m. with interment to follow at Mountain View Cemetery, 2120 S. 2nd Ave.
Helen was born to Leo and Nellie Shaff in Rochester, N.Y., and grew up in Irondequit, N.Y. She graduated from Franklin High School and attended Ottawa College Ransas. When she returned to Rochester in the summer, she met her future husband, William, on a blind date at a football game. After meeting her future husband, she returned to Rochester and attended the University of N.Y. at Brockport.
The friendship between Helen and the love of her life continued while he was in the military. They were engaged in 1957, eight months later, in 1958, they eloped and went to the University of Idaho, where she earned her master degree, with honors, in education, while her husband obtained his bachelors of science degree in education.
Their first jobs were in Hooper, Wash., for grades 1-8, she taught all subjects from K-4, and her husband taught 5-8. Three years later they came to Walla Walla where she became a housewife and he continued to teach. She then adopted two children, a son in 1965, Ted, and a daughter, Susan (Kohler) in 1968. When the children were old enough, she took a job with the state under supervision of Margaret Scha, the district 140 took over the program where she worked. She continued to work there until retirement in 1993-1994. She was a person who liked to laugh and was a lot of fun at any gathering. She truly loved life. After her retirement she did what she always wanted to..TRAVEL, and learn about other countries. Her plans took her to many countries, and several states. She traveled to norther Europe, southern Europe, New Zealand, Australia, Mexico, Panama, Columbia, Bahamas, etc. She continued this as long as possible.
Helen is survived by her husband, William at the home; daughter, Susan Kohler; three grandchildren, William Kohler, Jacob Kohler, and Carter Kohler; many nieces and nephews in California and New York. Memorial contributions can be made to Walla Walla Hospice or the charity of choice through the funeral home.