Helen Irene Smither

Helen Irene Smither passed away at home in the care of her loving daughter, Millie Monroe, on Saturday morning, April 11, 2020. No services will be held. Mrs. Smither was born in Frankfort to the late Nolia and Fred Rogers on Monday, September 10, 1923. She is survived by her daughter, Millie (Ronnie) Monroe; grandchildren Teresa (Darren) Dressman, Donnie Dean, Randy (Kim) Smither, Cindy (RB) Smith, Jeremy (Sarah) Smither, Bubby (Tina) Monroe, and Lisa (Jeff) Perry. She was also blessed with 16 great grandchildren, 16 great-great grandchildren, and 2 great-great-great grandchildren. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Otto Frances Smither; daughters Frances May Dean & Janice Fay Honaker; son Marion Smither; her sister Josephine; and brothers Silas, Gayle, and Albert. Helen lived a remarkable 96 years and was the family’s matriarch; leading an entire life of devotion to her family. She only completed school through the 8th grade, but she held the knowledge that most could only dream of. A homemaker by society’s title, but doing the jobs of so many others like nurse, teacher, farm hand, counselor, banker, and the list goes on. Otto and Helen married on August, 13, 1938; just short of her 15th birthday. They settled on a 219-acre farm located in Northern Franklin County on Sullivan Lane in the Peaks Mill area. The first year of their marriage, she held a job at Stagg Distillery (currently Buffalo Trace), but soon left to raise her family. Helen was not your normal house-wife of the 40’s, she was so much more. She worked alongside Otto on the family farm tending to livestock, working the fields & garden, all while caring for their four children and managing the house-hold. Otto passed away in June of 1975 at the young age of 61. Helen eventually moved to town after 37 years on the farm; settling on the east side of Frankfort. She never remarried. Instead, she helped her children, cared for her grandchildren, and poured her heart into her family. Helen enjoyed gardening, crocheting, cooking, playing a good game of cards, reading, telling stories, and spending her time with family. She loved God, was a faithful Baptist & member of Bethel Baptist Church. Loved by all who met her, she will truly be missed by the many lives she touched over the years. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. Arrangements are under the direction of Harrod Brothers Funeral Home & Crematory.

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Helen Irene Smither

September 10, 1923 - April 11, 2020