Obituary of Helen Smith

Bedford Helen Heitger Smith, 96, of Bedford, died Wednesday, October 22, 2008 at StoneBridge Health Campus in Bedford. Born February 20, 1912 in Phenix, MO, she was the only child of Clem and Nell (Killingsworth) Heitger. A life-long parishioner of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, Helen attended St. Vincent school, accelerating through with honors. She attended Bedford High School where she was competitive in sports. She excelled in golf and tennis, winning the City Tennis Championship in 1928, her senior year. At Bedford High School, she met Lyle Smith. Before marrying Lyle, Helen worked for the federal government in Indianapolis as an administrative assistant. In Indianapolis, she enjoyed the life of a young single. She excelled in shorthand and office administration and was asked repeatedly to take a government job in Washington, DC. She declined, preferring to return to Bedford to marry Lyle on July 8, 1939, raise a family and befriend the community. Helen worked as an administrative assistant in Bedford for many years finalizing her working career at the Bedford Medical Center as assistant to the President. Helen spent a number of years on the board of St. Vincent school, helping direct the schools course and serving as president. She was a member of the Altar Society, Womens Dept. Club, A.A.R.P., Bedford Medical Center Auxiliary and the I.U. Alumni Assoc. The Indiana University basketball team has lost one of its most ardent fans. She kept her longtime season tickets well into her eighties. She was an avid gardener and bird watcher. An early photo shows Helen holding a wounded and healing bird in her hands. She enjoyed her morning coffee with many of Gods creatures on her patio. Mrs. Smith loved to fish, having been brought up with a love for the outdoors. The White River, Rice Lake in Wisconsin and Galveston Bay were her home waters. Recently, in a farm pond owned by friends, she hooked, landed and released a giant white catfish. Helen was 94 years old at the time. She returned again and again in search of the great white catfish. Survivors include three sons, David Smith of Bedford, Joseph Smith of Zionsville and Steve Smith of Houston, TX; three grandchildren; four great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and one son, Donald Patrick Smith. Funeral Information Funeral services will be conducted at 10:00 am on Saturday, October 25th at the St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church with Father Rick Eldred officiating. Burial will follow in the Green Hill Cemetery. Friends may call from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Friday, October 24th at the Day & Carter Mortuary. A rosary service will be conducted at 7:00 pm on Friday. Donations Information The family asks that friends consider memorial contributions be made to the St. Vincent School or the Thornton Memorial Boys Club.