Helen Putney Lenz

LENZ, Helen Putney, 91, of Surprise, Arizona, passed away on November 22, 2016. Helen was born on April 4, 1925 and went to Heaven on November 22, 2016, in Sun City West, Arizona. She was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to Robert and Helen Putney. Helen spent her early life in New Mexico. On April 26, 1943, she married Elmer Lenz in Pasadena, California. Helen and Elmer lived in Victorville, California, for 65 years where they raised their family. Helen was a homemaker until she began working for the Victor Elementary School District, spending most of her career at Del Rey Elementary, and then retired from the Alelanto School District. Helen was very involved in her church. She and Elmer were founding members and helped to build the original Zion Lutheran Church. She was involved in LWML, sang in the choir, taught Sunday school, played piano and organ, and served on many other committees. Later, Helen and Elmer became active members at St. John Lutheran Church in Victorville. She loved nothing more than to invite friends to church where many stayed and became life-long members as well. Helen loved spending time with family and friends, entertaining, traveling, and playing bridge. She also loved her time volunteering at Victor Valley Hospital. Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Elmer Lenz, Sr., by her father, mother, and sister Peggy. Helen is survived by her children, Margaret (Paul) Wilhour of Surprise, Arizona, Elmer Lenz, Jr., of Victorville, California, and Debra (Larry) Santi of Bellevue, Washington; by her grandchildren, Amy Wright-Wilhour of Kirkland, Washington, Sheri Wilhour-Garver (Kevin), of Peoria, Arizona, Jill Santi (Donovan) Velez, of Bellevue, Washington, Nicole Santi (Andrew) Wetzel, of Sammamish, Washington, Edward Lenz of Victorville, California, and Michael Lenz of Victorville, California; 10 great grandchildren; nieces, and many friends. The Family would like to thank Orchard Pointe Assisted Living and Banner Hospice. Arrangements are under the direction of Surprise Funeral Care, Surprise, Arizona. There will be a private graveside service in Phoenix, Arizona. To sign the guestbook online, and to send your memories, condolences and well-wishes to the family, please visit, www.surprisefuneralcare.com.