Helen Youngsman Teeter went to be with her Lord, June 3, 2005. She was born in Oak Harbor on Sept. 27, 1915, the youngest child of Carolina and John Youngsman. She grew up in Oak Harbor and her love of the island brought her back when she retired.

She married Richard Teeter and with him planted seven Assembly of God churches in the wilds of Alaska, traveling by dogsled to each church in the bush and ministering in hostile weather. At that time she started what would become her future livelihood and love: photography.

Helen and Richard adopted three Native American children. And later had one child of their own.

Helen became well known as a nature photographer.  Her flower and scenic pictures were beautiful and were made into cards, which all who received them, loved. She also wrote several books about her adventures in Alaska and on Whidbey Island, with great wit and humor. She was happy to again be with her relatives and friends. In 1999 due to declining health she moved to Redlands, Calif. to be near her daughter.

She leaves behind her elder sister Elsie Noorlag, of Oak Harbor; sister-in-law Martha Youngsman of Oak Harbor; her surviving children, Bernice and Carrie; grandchildren, Mark, Joe, David, B.J. and Cara; and great-grandchildren, River, Forrest, Destiny, Brooke and Anjali. And numerous nephews and nieces will, together with her children and their families mourn, her passing.