Lena Helen Talley

Lena Helen Talley, 95 passed away peacefully, on Monday, June 22, 2026, in the comfort of her home in Cost, Texas.

Helen was born on February 16, 1931 in Cuero, Texas, to Frank and Erna Thieme. She grew up in Cuero and graduated from Cuero High School in 1948. At graduation, she was given the American Legion Award in Tennis. She also won the tennis district title for four consecutive years, the regional title two years, and was a finalist at the high school state tennis tournament (Austin, Tx) her Senior year. Helen played on the Cuero Women’s softball team, the “Blue Jeans”, during high school and college. Following graduation, she enrolled at Southwest Texas State Teacher’s College. While at Southwest Texas, she met the love of her life, Les Talley, on the tennis court. They had a successful tennis date which was the beginning of their courtship. Helen graduated from Southwest Texas in January of 1952 with a major in Physical Education and a minor in Math.

Les and Helen were married on May 25, 1952, in Cuero, Texas. Both were hired to teach in the Clear Creek ISD in September of 1953. Helen taught 3rd through 9th grade girl’s P.E. at League City Elementary & Junior High. She retired in January of 1991 after 30 years of teaching physical education, with most of those years spent at League City Elementary School. Les and Helen lived in League City for a span of 47 years. They eventually retired to their country home, in Cost, Texas, in December of 2003 where they raised cattle and show calves. Family time with children and grandchildren was very important to Helen. She and Les could often be found spending time with family on the farm, whether it be gardening, hunting, fishing, feeding the goldfish, rounding up the cows, or going to Dairy Queen for tacos and blizzards. She loved antiquing with family, and continued to play tennis well into her 70’s. Helen was a member of the Abiding Word Lutheran Church in Gonzales, where she and Les were founding members.

Helen is survived by her three children and their families: Nancy Davison and husband, Charles. Gary Talley and wife, Joy; and Mike Talley and wife, Darla. She was blessed with grandchildren: Justin, Kendra, Lauren, Peter, Michael, Cathy, and Tim; and great-grandchildren: Cami, Cason, Connor, Travis, Lena, Anthony, Helen, Reese, Henry and Jacob. She was preceded in death by her husband of 71 years, Les, her parents Frank and Erna Thieme, and her sister, Lois Day.

Helen will be remembered as a kind and generous wife, mother, grandma and friend. She will be greatly missed by all.

Special thanks to the members of Abiding Word Lutheran Church, and to our wonderful caregivers: Ruth Contreras, Virginia Garcia, Becky Edlridge, and Crystal Homann, who each spent countless hours caring for our mom.

The family will receive friends for visitation from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm on Sunday, June 28, at Seydler-Hill Funeral Home in Gonzales, Texas. Funeral services will be held on Monday, June 29, at 10:00 am, at Abiding Word Lutheran Church, 1020 Saint Louis Street, Gonzales, Texas. Interment will follow at the Odd-Fellows Cemetery in Gonzales, Texas.

Pallbearers: Mike Talley, Gary Talley, Justin Talley, Peter Davison, Michael Talley and Tim Davison

Memorials may be made to Abiding Word Lutheran Church of Gonzales, Texas. Friends may leave their condolences to the family by visiting www.seydlerhillfuneralhome.com .