Helen Louise Smith

Helen Louise Smith, 88, of Bradenton and Litchfield MI, passed away Wednesday (1/16/2013) at Manatee Memorial Hospital. She was born December 21, 1924 in Calhoun County MI to Harold and Gladys (Carson) Houchen and graduated from Litchfield High School in 1943. On October 3, 1948 she married Robert R. Smith and he preceded her in death in 1987. Together, they owned and operated the St. Joe Mobile Home Park in Litchfield. Helen was also a dedicated volunteer aid at the Litchfield Community Schools and Bashaw Elementary School for many years. She was a loving mother and grandmother who always had a smile on her face. She will be sadly missed by her family, including 4 children, Diana & Jeff Helm of Litchfield; Deb & Don Eichler of Litchfield; Karen Smith of Palmetto FL; Kevin (Juli) Smith of Jackson; 2 sisters, Doro-thy Forshey of Palmetto FL; Donna (Raymond "Bob") Spier of Avon Park FL; sister-in-law, Mary Houchen of Litch-field; 6 grandchildren, Lindsey Rock, Jenn Smith, Matt Eichler, Max Helm, Krissy Smith, Rob-bie Smith; 2 great-grandchildren, Lexi and Callie Rock; and many special nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, 2 brothers, Howard and Robert Houchen, and 1 grandchild, Joey. Funeral services and burial will be held in Litchfield MI. A local memorial service will be announced at a later date. Memorials are suggested to the Bashaw Elementary School Library, 3515 Morgan Johnson Rd., Bradenton FL 34208 or Lighthouse for the Blind. To view this obituary or send condo-lences, visit www.eaglefuneralhomes.com