Helen R. Smith

Helen Ruth Smith "Smitty," 84, of Evansville, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, October 12, 2011. She was the beloved daughter of Verne Burnell and Eva Mae (Martin) Smith and beloved sister of Harold Martin Smith, all of whom preceded her in death.

Helen was born on St. Patrick's Day and considered herself an honorary leprechaun who loved everything green. She graduated from Central High School, held a BA from Evansville College and a MA from the George Peabody College for Teachers. Helen was a favorite teacher of thousands of students during her 38 years of teaching Math, Health and PE at Washington Elementary. She loved calling square dancing and coaching sports.

Helen was an active member of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church where she was the first woman Elder, a Clerk of Session, a Sunday school teacher and treasurer of the Ladies Aid. In her final years, she was attended to weekly by her minister, Dr. Ray L. Parker, of the Parke Memorial Presbyterian Church of Evansville.

Helen leaves behind her favorite (and only) spoiled rotten niece, Candace Ann Smith; her sister-in-law, Elena Mae Smith; as well as cousins. She was blessed with her best friends since college, Miriam June Gibson, Lois Hyland and Bernice Culley, and the entire staff of Cypress Grove Rehab Center and Dr. David Shultz (her previous Math student) who took such wonderful care of her.

Services will be 11:00 AM Saturday, October 15, 2011, at Alexander East Chapel, with burial in Oak Hill Cemetery, next to her mother, father and brother, Harold. Friends may visit Saturday from 9:00 AM until service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Parke Memorial Presbyterian Church, Vanderburgh Humane Society, or an animal rescue group of your choice.