Helen Mary Smith, formerly of Plainville, Kansas, passed away on April 26, 2025, at the Locust Grove Village Nursing Home in La Crosse, Kansas. She was born on November 7, 1943, to Aldemore M. and MaryRose B. (Plante) Tremblay.
Throughout her life, Helen embraced many roles and wore many hats—with kindness, resilience, and a spirit full of life. She was first married in 1959 to Kenneth Lee, who preceded her in death on May 15, 1982. She later married Patrick Thrasher, who passed away on April 5, 2014. On May 24, 1994, she married Larry Smith in Miami, Oklahoma, who survives her.
Helen grew up attending schools in Damar and Plainville. She had a heart as big as the sky and was always ready to help others—whether by opening her doors to those in need of shelter, offering a warm meal, or simply lending a listening ear. Early in life, she worked as a waitress and Candy Striper, and she was best known for her cooking, which she shared generously. She worked at Redbud Village doing laundry and housekeeping, ran her own café in Bogue, KS, and operated the K-18 Bar in Plainville. At the Plainville Sale Barn, she was beloved for serving up hearty meals and Mickey Mouse pancakes for the children.
Never one to shy away from hard work, Helen also helped paint houses, worked in farming, home health care, and even telemarketing. Her creativity and zest for life showed in her love for animals, motorcycles, arts and crafts, bingo, singing, dancing, and especially her devotion to Elvis Presley.
Helen leaves behind a legacy of compassion, hard work, and joy. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all whose lives she touched with her warmth and generosity.
Helen is survived by her husband, Larry Smith of Plainville; two daughters, Patricia (Brandon) McDonald of Mankato, KS and Hope Smith of Norton, KS; step-daughters, Linda (Mike) McCulloch of Russell, KS and Terri (Len) Steinle of Russell; step-son, Marc Smith of Hays, KS; 18 grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her two husbands, Kenneth and Patrick; two sons, Keith and Roger Lee; brother, Gilbert Tremblay; and two sisters, Theresa Smith and Marian Tremblay.
A Funeral will be held on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at 10:00 AM, at the Nazarene Church in Plainville. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Damar. Visitation will be held on Monday, May 5th, from 5 PM until 7 PM at the funeral home in Plainville.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Church of the Nazarene and may be sent to Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 320 SW 2nd, Plainville, KS 67663.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.plumeroverleae.com