Helen E. "Tootsie" Smith

SMITH---Helen E. “Tootsie,” 96, Elton, recently residing at Richland Woods, passed away on January 11, 2024. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who was born on Sept. 10, 1927 in Johnstown, daughter of the late Rudolph and Rose (Murphy) Rodkey. She was also preceded in death by husband, Edgar Smith, son, David; brothers and sister, Richard (Louise), Lester (Melvina), Carl (Marguerite), James (Katherine/Carol), Robert and Dorothy Witmyer (Harold). Survived by Dianne Ickes (Britt), Elton; Edgar Jr. (Jackie), Elton, Stuart (Lisa), Elton; grandchildren, Heather Oravecz (Tom), Justin Mock, Jessica Cox (Wess), Garrett Smith (Amanda), Sheena Straw (Chad), Rachelle Thomas (Brian), and Nicole Thomas (Josh). Helen is also survived by 11 great-grandchildren and she loved all of them so much. Helen was the last surviving member of her immediate family. Member of Greater Johnstown Christian Fellowship. Our mom was the best mom ever and we had limited means when we moved to Elton, but we always had the most loving and giving parents we called ‘Mom and Pop.’ Mom lived for her kids and grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Our Mom and Pop gave us all a life filled with love. She enjoyed snowmobiling with Randy and Karen and the crew. She loved riding her favorite horse, Benny. Our mom was a major Steelers fan and a good game and a cold beer made her happy (IF they won). Mom loved to fish with dad and her brother, Carl. They would cook kielbasa on the open fire and hope for fish. She also loved golfing and bowling and she was the baking Queen! Every weekend, she baked and boy did we look forward to that! We all got a cut! She loved her birds, especially the hummingbirds. Mom was also a lady with a major green thumb. She loved her flowers inside and outside. Our mom always lived her life to the fullest. She will be sadly missed by so many. The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. until time of funeral service at 1p.m. Monday, January 15, 2024 at Greater Johnstown Christian Fellowship with Pastor Gary Tustin, Pastor Jim Gay and Helen’s nephew, Randy Rodkey officiating. Committal, Grandview Cemetery. The family is being served by Harris Funeral Home, 500 Cherry Lane, Richland. Online condolences may be posted at www.wharrisfuneralhome.com.