Helen E. Ayers, 85, of Slatington, died peacefully Oct. 8, 2025, in the presence of family, at Lehigh Valley Hospital – Cedar Crest, Salisbury Township. She and her husband, Dr. William E. Ayers, celebrated 62 years of marriage in April.

Born in Allentown, she was the eldest daughter of the late John P. and Helen I. (Kish) Hlatky. She was a top 10 graduate from Allentown High School in 1958, graduated Summa Cum Laude with a B.A. from Muhlenberg College in 1962 and received her M.Ed. from Kutztown State College in 1969.

Beginning as an elementary school teacher, then eventually moving on to Raub Middle School’s Blue Team, she worked in the Allentown School District for 36 years, enjoying her time teaching young people about the world around them and its significance to their lives. At ASD, she helped develop student curriculum and conducted teacher workshops. She partnered with several organizations, including PP&L, Game Preserve, Poole Wildlife Sanctuary, America on Wheels and Nolde Environmental Education Center.

She enriched and enhanced her teaching skills by attending sessions at state and national science education conferences, becoming greatly involved in several educational organizations including NEA, PSEA, AEA, NSTA, and PSTA, where she was an active member of their convention committee for over 20 years. She participated in the development of statewide standards and assessments in the areas of science and environment and ecology.

She was a member of St. John’s UCC, Laurys Station since 1970. She served on or chaired several committees including church council, worship and music, stewardship, Christian education, youth group, Laurys Station Community Day, and the kitchen committee, on which she spent many years comforting families by organizing and conducting funeral luncheons.

She sang on the church choir, worshiping and celebrating her faith. She also enjoyed using her talents in different ways by teaching Sunday School and Confirmation classes and playing significant roles in many years of Vacation Bible School.

She had several hobbies and interests like antiquing, cooking, gardening, traveling and helping her husband with the ongoing renovation of their 1800s farmhouse.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by a daughter, Wendy Elizabeth; granddaughter, Abigail Elizabeth; siblings, John Hlatky, Joseph (Nancy) Hlatky, Rosemary (Mark) Reitz; several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of her life will be held 11 a.m. Nov. 28 at St. John’s U.C.C., 1415 Rising Sun Road, Laurys Station. Family and friends may pay their respects 9:30-11 a.m. at the church before the service.

The Heintzelman Funeral Home, Inc., in Schnecksville is in charge of arrangements. Online expressions of sympathy may be recorded at www.heintzelmancares.com.

Memorial contributions may be made in her name to St. John’s U.C.C. Memorial Fund, c/o the funeral home, P.O. Box 196, Schnecksville, 18078-0196.