Smyth, Helen Elaine

Helen Elaine Smyth, 74, of Ely, passed away Thursday, Feb. 16, 2012, in her home, surrounded by her loving family. Services will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, Feb. 20, at First Presbyterian Church near Ely. Burial will follow in Oakland Cemetery in Solon. Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday at Brosh Chapel in Solon.

Helen was born Nov. 29, 1937, in rural Iowa County, the daughter of Emmett and Bertina (Hummer) Smith. She married Elmer Smyth on March 26, 1957, at First Presbyterian Church near Ely.

Helen enjoyed gardening, baking, listening to music, going dancing, spontaneous drives that would involve trips to Dairy Queen, going on shopping trips with the girls, playing cards and marbles with her family and friends.

She was very proud of her family and cherished the time spent with them, and she said, “I loved every one of them, and wouldn't trade one for anything.”

Helen is survived by her husband, Elmer, of nearly 55 years; sons, Russell Smyth of Shueyville, Dean Smyth of Anamosa, Randy Smyth (Mindy Fisher) of Ely and Tim (Joy) Smyth of Ely; daughters, Marilyn (Steve) Grover of Solon, Patty Smyth (Dean Block) of Ely and Molly (Kenny) Nearad of Solon; grandchildren, Casey (Sara) Grover, Sondra Grover, Breanna Block, Aaron Stevens, Kyle Smyth, David Smyth, Heather Smyth, Cory Fisher, Deanna Fisher, Morgan, Jessica and Taylor Nearad, Shane and Jaytee Smyth; a great-grandson, Landon Fox; a brother, Vernon Smith of Solon; and a sister, Evelyn (Pierson “Tinker”) Benedict of Kalona.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and a grandson, Corey James Grover.

Memorials may be directed to the family.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.broshchapel.com.

Published Feb. 19, 2012 in The Gazette