Helen E. Smith's Obituary
CHARLESTON, IL - Helen Elizabeth Smith, age 105 of Charleston, passed away on Thursday, July 14, 2016. Inurnment will be in Roselawn Cemetery in Charleston at a later date. Adams Funeral Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Helen was born April 14, 1911 in St. Louis, Missouri, the daughter of William H. and Flossie (Wuersch) Michel. She married Arnold Smith on October 26, 1928 and they shared 70 years of marriage prior to his death on January 3, 1999. Left to cherish her memory are two grandsons, Jeff Horn and wife Jody of Charleston and Steve Horn and wife Susy of Ft. Myers, FL; 5 great-grandchildren, Andy, Corey, Tyler, Cordy and Delaney Horn; several great-great-grandchildren; and a half brother, Rex Rennels. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Peggy J. Horn-Deeter; a brother, Norman Michel; a half brother, Jack Rennels and a half sister, Mary Day. Helen's family moved to Charleston in 1917 and for 99 years, except for the brief time she lived in Dale, IN, Helen called Charleston her home. She was employed by the Charleston Brown Shoe Company for 45 of those years; was a member of the First Christian Church, and a past member of the Charleston Country Club. Helen was truly a remarkable woman. Her life spanned 105 years with some of her most memorable times being the many Sunday afternoons on the Interurban Rail Car which traveled from Charleston to Mattoon, and took them to Urban Park, located on the land which is now the Charleston Country Club, for picnics and other activities. Later, it was her travels to Las Vegas, Disneyland and Disney World, that held fond memories. Living in her Vine Street home for 75 years, she pushed mowed her lawn and cared for her beautiful flower gardens until she was 96 years old. Helen treasured nothing more than her family and spending time with those she loved. She looked forward to opportunities to care for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren as together they created memories of special times shared. There will be no public visitation or services.
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