Helen R. Corwin, 92, of Prescott, Arizona and Blythe, California passed away on December 4, 2018 at her home in Prescott. Helen was born to Jacob M. and Anna K. Quamme in Glendale, Arizona on the family farm on August 16, 1926. She was the youngest child with a sister Buelah and brother Joseph. Her grandparents were immigrants from Norway.

Helen graduated from Glendale High School in 1944. After graduation, Helen worked for Porters of Arizona in the leather industry. She stamped belts that sold in the Gene Autry Branding Iron store in downtown Phoenix. While at Porters of Arizona, she learned the craft of building handmade saddles by simply observing. Helen continued with her leather working craft, building a saddle for Gloria Scott – Miss Rodeo California in 1957, a saddle for James Arness (Matt Dillion, Gun Smoke) in 1958. She built the saddles for many years for the Blythe Junior rodeo all around awards. She was featured on What's My Line television show in New York City on two separate occasions; 1959 and 1967. She has continued with her craft into her 90's, making countless belts, wallets, chaps, chinks and saddle repairs.

She married James R. Corwin on February 14, 1946 in Phoenix, Arizona. Together they had three children: Mark, Lana and Clay. They moved their family to Blythe, California in 1950.

She is a member of the founding women of the Zion Lutheran Church, where she sang soprano at many weddings and funerals. She is a life member of the Blythe Riding Club, having joined in 1954.

Helen's love for the outdoors and horses was evident as she rode hunter jumpers with General Glassford in the Phoenix area as a teenager. She was an outstanding horsewoman competing in team roping, barrel racing and gymkhana events. She had a special bond with the Cibola Valley, spending countless days exploring the valley, reviving trails and learning the history of the mines and early settlers. She was a guide for the trail rides with the Blythe Riding Club and the Happy Hoofers.

She is survived by her daughter Lana and son Clay, a granddaughter Linda Compton, great granddaughter Jonalyn Compton, great grandson Zane Compton and also Nita Grande, her trail riding best buddy and caregiver.

Memorial services will be held for Helen on Saturday, January 19, 2019 at 9:00 a.m. at the Zion Lutheran Church, 701 E. Chanslor Way in Blythe.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Helen's name to the Blythe Cancer Resource Center, P.O. Box 1266, Blythe, CA 92226.