Helen Bash Smiley

Helen Bash Smiley, 82, of White Pigeon, Michigan, passed away peacefully at home on May 28, 2025. Born on March 23, 1943, in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of the late Walter and Betty Bash.

In addition to her parents, Helen was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Larry Smiley; her brother, Walter Bash Jr.; her brother-in-law, Jerome Lister Sr.; her sister-in-law, Betty Widgeon; and her son-in-law, Bill Turner.

Helen is lovingly remembered by her three daughters and their families: Carol and Rick Doney of The Villages, Florida; Karen Smiley of Cooper City, Florida; and Kathy and Dwayne Strouse of White Pigeon, Michigan.

She was a proud and devoted grandmother to eight grandchildren: Joel Smiley, Travis Doney, Billy Turner, Brianna Turner, Zachary Smiley, Jaxon Smiley, Max Strouse, and Becca Strouse. She was also blessed with two great-grandchildren, Kloey and Odin Smiley.

Helen is survived by her sister, Carleen Lister of Meadows of Dan, Virginia; her brother, Barry Bash, and his wife, Mary, of Masaryktown, Florida; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and cherished friends.

A committal graveside service will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 16, at Old Bell Spur Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery in Meadows of Dan, Virginia.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made in Helen’s name to your local Humane Society—an organization close to her heart.