Helen Heron Karnes
June 24, 1935-June 6, 2026
Cibolo, Texas

Helen Heron Karnes, 90, of Cibolo, TX, passed away on June 6, 2026. Born on June 24, 1935, in Swatow, China, she spent most of her adult life in California. She loved music, was a proud member of MENSA, and was a lifelong Episcopalian. Helen taught history and specialized reading at Livermore High School and was recognized as “Teacher of the Millennium” in 2000. She graduated from Pomona College and earned a Master of Education from the College of Holy Names in Oakland, CA. She was also an accomplished artist and a devoted parent and grandparent. Helen always exhibited curiosity and enthusiasm in life and shared both with everyone she met. Helen is survived by her sons, John Heron and Tom (Riva) Heron; grandchildren, Christopher, Ryan, and Kellie Heron; and great-grandchild, Elowyn Brown. She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Karnes; daughter-in-law, Pam Nice; parents, Frederick and Frances Hinke; beloved stepmother Marion Hinke and sister, Margaret (John) Woods. A funeral service will be held at St. John’s Episcopal Church in New Braunfels, TX, on June 24, 2 2026 at 11:00am. A graveside committal service will take place at Santa Paula Cemetery, 380 Cemetery Road, Santa Paula, CA 93060, on July 16, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. The family extends special thanks to the staff at The Brooks of Cibolo for their kind and loving care during Helen’s stay.

Tags: teacher/educator