Helen Mitchell Rea

Helen Mitchell Rea, 83, left this Earthly world at 2:55 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2013, to be with Our Heavenly Father after a battle with Alzheimer's. She was surrounded by family at the time of her departure at Amber Terrace Nursing Home in Baton Rouge. Born in Hessmer, La., on Nov. 30, 1929, Helen was raised in Simmesport and resided in Baton Rouge for many years until the time of her death. She was preceded in death by her mother and father, Frances Lambert and Kirby Mitchell, of Simmesport; a husband, Howard "Bud" Rea, of Baton Rouge; and a grandson, Robert Mack "Robby" Gill, Jr., of Baton Rouge. Helen is survived by one brother, Arthur Mitchell and his wife Barbara, of Baton Rouge; two sons, Randy Rea and Pam Fry, of Prairieville; and Mark Rea, of Baton Rouge; a daughter, Sandi Rea Smith and her husband Joel, of Weyanoke; and a dear family friend, Nancy Rea Baker, of Baton Rouge. She leaves behind 10 grandchildren: Josh, Gram, Brittany, Christian, Justin and Anna Rea, Stacy Gill and Jody, Jennifer and Josh Smith. She also had seven great-grandchildren: Donovan, Dylan, Nicholas and Lennon Rea, Riley and Olivia Gill McGlynn and Joel Smith III. Helen had a loving nephew and two nieces: Arthur "Artie" Mitchell, Jr., of Prairieville; Cyndi Jones, of Port Allen; and Stephanie Soma, of Brusly. She also had several great nieces and nephews: Arthur and Angela Soma, Amy and Kim Jones and Gabe Mitchell. She had numerous family members and friends whom she loved dearly, and she touched everyone who knew her with her fun-loving ways, kindness and generosity. Helen was a Christian who attended St. Louis King of France Catholic Church and loved her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and extended family. She also loved to dance! After many years of working in the finance industry, Helen spent her retirement collecting photos of her family and doing crossword and jigsaw puzzles until being diagnosed with Alzheimer's three years ago. Her family would like to extend many thanks to the nurses from Clarity Hospice of Baton Rouge and the staff and administration of Amber Terrace/Memory Lane. Visitation for Helen Rea will be held Saturday, Mar. 2, 2013, at Rabenhorst East, 11000 Florida Blvd. in Baton Rouge, from 9-10:30 a.m. A Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. with Father Jack Nutter officiating at Rabenhorst, and the funeral procession will follow at 11:30 a.m. to the Smithland family cemetery in Weyanoke, where she will be laid to rest next to her grandson, Robby. Pallbearers will be Josh Rea, Gram Rea, Christian Rea, Artie Mitchell, Gabe Mitchell and Josh Smith. Honorary Pallbearers are Donovan Rea, Justin Rea, Arthur Soma, Jody Smith and Joel Smith III. Flowers may be sent to Rabenhorst Funeral Homes East, 11000 Florida Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA, 70815. Donations may also be made in the memory of Helen Rea or in honor of Randall Rea to the Alzheimer's Services of the Capital Area, 3772 North Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA, 70806. For online condolences, please visit Rabenhorst online athttp://www.rabenhorst.com" target="_blank">www.rabenhorst.com.