Helga Cooley

January 22, 1940 – August 6, 2026

Helga Cooley, 86, passed away peacefully on August 6, 2026, in Roswell, New Mexico.

Helga was born on January 22, 1940, in Michelob, Czechoslovakia, to Eduardo and Frieda Kultscher. She was born into a German family living in a region that had formerly been part of Germany. Following World War II, her family was forced to leave its home and begin a new life in Germany. These early experiences helped shape Helga into the strong, independent, and resilient woman she remained throughout her life.

While living in Germany, Helga met Bobby Cooley, a U.S. Air Force serviceman stationed there. They began a family and later made their home in the United States. Over the years, Helga lived in Florida, Mississippi, Virginia, Oklahoma, and finally New Mexico. In New Mexico, their paths eventually diverged, and Helga remained in the place she had come to love.

The mountains surrounding Ruidoso held a special place in her heart. Their forests, wildlife, changing seasons, and mountain views reminded her of Germany. New Mexico became her permanent home and the place where she spent the remainder of her life.

Helga had a lifelong love of dogs and animals. She devoted many years to raising and showing champion German Shepherds with tremendous knowledge, dedication, and pride. Her animals were cherished companions and an important part of her family. She continued to surround herself with beloved pets and care deeply for animals for as long as her health allowed.

Helga was the last surviving of four siblings. She was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings, Werner, Gunther, and Ulrike “Ricky.”

She is survived by her two children, Karin Baker and Bob Cooley; five grandchildren, Stephanie Baker, Rusty Baker, Roxanne Langner, Hannah Gearon, and Ryan Cooley; fourteen great-grandchildren; and many friends who will remember her strength, her love of animals, and her deep affection for the mountains she called home.

Helga’s life carried her across countries, cultures, and many different landscapes. Her journey ultimately led her to the Ruidoso mountains—a place that reminded her of where her story began and where she truly felt at home.

She was deeply loved and will be greatly missed and forever remembered.