Helen Ann Smith, 77, passed away and into the arms of her heavenly father on December 20, 2024, at her home in Newton. She was born June 16, 1947, to John Bailey and Leona Iona (Reinke) Gardner.
Helen attended Hutchinson Community College, where was a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. She also went to Pittsburg State University graduating with honors in mathematics.
Helen taught at Fort Riley Middle School, while her husband finished his degree at Kansas State University. She did substitute teaching at Nickerson High School and Newton High School. When HCC started an outreach program in Newton, she began teaching algebra at night. She taught algebra for 20 years. While teaching and raising two boys, Helen wanted to help other children, so Helen and her husband became foster parents to 10 children. She also started a business in 1990 called Cleaner Blinds 4 U. She retired the business in 2012.
In her spare time, Helen enjoyed cross stitching, quilting, gardening, and canning.
On June 16, 1969, she married William (Bill) Smith, in Plevna, Kansas. He survives.
Other survivors are: her son, Barry (Mara) Smith; and grandsons, Konrad and Oskar Smith.
She was preceded in death by: her parents; brother, Larry; and son, Brent (AJ).
Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life and burial will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the donor’s choice, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main., Hutchinson, KS 67501.