Smith Center – Helen Joyce Baetz, 89, passed away Saturday, September 21, 2024, at Smith Center Health and Rehab, Smith Center, KS.
Helen was born January 25, 1935, in Washington Township, Smith County, KS, the daughter of Wardie M. and Lavina C. (Carver) Hawkins. Helen attended grade school at Dewey and graduated from the Smith Center Hight School.
On March 30, 1956, Helen married Leland Baetz at the First Christian Church, Smith Center, KS. To this union they were blessed with five children, Russell Eugene, Sharlyn Kay, Judith Lynn, Larry Duane and Kevin Wayne.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Leland, son Larry Duane at the age of 3 years, brother Duane Hawkins, sister Melva Jean Hawkins, son-in-law Milo Shellito, and nephew Jerry Hawkins.
Helen is survived by two sons, Russell (Karen) Baetz and Kevin (Kim) Baetz all of Smith Center; two daughters, Sharlyn Shellito and Judith (Wayne) Hyman all of Smith Center; two sisters-in-law, Maydeen Hawkins of Smith Center, Norma Schriner of Axtel, NE and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, September 24, 2024, at All Faiths Funeral Chapel, 113 S. Madison St., Smith Center, KS, with Pastor Lance McDowell officiating. Visitation will be held on Monday, September 23, 2024, from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with family present to greet friends from 5-7 p.m. The burial will take place in Fairview Cemetery, Smith Center, KS. Memorials may be given to the First Christian Church and/or Kingsbury-Chase VFW Post 1141 Ladies Auxiliary, both of Smith Center, and can be sent in care of the funeral chapel.
Full Obituary is pending.