Helen Margaret (Born) Royer was born on March 14, 1902, in Prescott, Yavapai County, Arizona Territory, daughter of Margaret Barney Johnston and Charles Born Jr. She grew up in Prescott and lived at 418 Weaver Street (now Goodwin Street). She was a member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church where she was baptized, confirmed and married.

Helen attended Washington School and graduated from Prescott High School in 1920. She was an actress in high school plays and at the Elks Theater. She also worked at the Elks Theater where her father, Charles Born Jr., was manager. Helen briefly attended the University of Southern California and the Egan School of Dramatics in Los Angeles.

On July 15, 1925, she married William Leland Royer at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. They then moved to Battle Creek, Michigan, where they raised three children: Marjory Helen Royer West, born August 14, 1926; Charles William Royer, born November 21, 1928; and Barbara Blanche Royer Rost, born March 30, 1930. Helen had seven granddaughters.

Helen and her husband retired to Sun City, Arizona in the 1960s. She enjoyed playing bridge and was an avid bridge player most of her life.  In 1975, Helen and Leland celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church.

Helen passed away on September 21, 1992, in Sun City. She was buried with her husband, William Leland Royer, in Sunland Memorial Park in Sun City, Arizona.

Helen’s grandmother, Elle Johnston Burns, her mother, Margaret Barney Johnston Born, and her sister, Mary Alice Born Heller Noyes, are also commemorated in the Territorial Women’s Memorial Rose Garden.

Donors: Eleanor and West Scheman, granddaughters, January 2012
Photo Located: RGC MS-39, Box Q-R, F-Royer, Helen (Born)
Updated: 07/28/2015, N. Freer

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