Helen Lorene Smith

Helen Lorene Smith, 87, died February 26, 2015 at Good Samaritan Center, Dodge City. She was born on March 9, 1927 at Kansas City, Kansas, the daughter of Charles L. and Elizabeth Frances Bernard Crookham. 

She spent her early years growing up in Kansas City, Kansas. On June 4, 1945, she married Charles E. Smith. They moved to Dodge City in 1951. They lived in Dodge City many years until moving to Newton, Kansas where they resided from 1995 until 2006. She and Charles would take trips to Harlingen, Texas, spending many weeks there during the winter months. Charles preceded her in death on August 12, 2004 at Wichita, Kansas. She lived in Harlingen for another three years making trips to Dodge City when she was able. She returned to Dodge City in 2008, and remained here until her death. 

Helen worked in several jobs throughout her life. She was employed with the Dodge City school system, as both a school cook, working in a supervisory capacity, and also drove a school bus. Earlier jobs included being a hostess at the Dodge House restaurant, and selling Stanley products in her spare time. For several years she also took in college students, providing them with a place to stay during their years in Dodge City. 

She was a former member of the First Baptist Church, and later the Assembly of God, both of Dodge City. 

She is survived by one daughter Tonya Slattery, Dodge City, three sons, Jay Smith, Garland, Texas; Larry Smith and wife Mary, Newton, Roger Smith and wife Debbie, Belfont, a daughter-in-law Mary Helen Smith, Mount Pleasant, Iowa; a sister-in-law Ruth Rudesill, LaPuente,California; nine grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by her parents,one son Donald Smith, granddaughter, Sonya Smith, three brothers, Ralph, William, and Raymond Crookham, and one sister, Maxine Gossage. 

Memorial services will be held at the First Baptist Church, 200 West 6th Street, in Newton on Tuesday, March 3, 2015 at 11:00 AM. There will be no visitation as cremation has taken place. Swaim Funeral Home, Dodge City, is in charge of arrangements. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.