Helen Mason Smith

Helen Mason Smith, age 88 of Rocky Ford passed peacefully in her home surrounded by her loving family on April 22 , 2016.  Upon her arrival in Heaven the Lord greeted her with her beloved husband, Howard.
 
Helen was born on April 12, 1928 to Guy Mason and Rebecca (Allen) Mason in Berryville, Arkansas.  She was eleven of twelve children.   Her family moved to Colorado when she was five years old.  She attended school in Manzanola and Rocky Ford and was a 1946 Graduate of Rocky Ford High School. She remained active with her class, helping to plan numerous reunions.
 
One of Helen’s first jobs was a cashier at The Grand Theatre. This job was the most life changing, as it was there she met Howard Smith.  They eloped after knowing each other for only one month and were married nearly 68 years. She was also known as “the checker at Safeway with the friendliest smile” for many years.  Later, she served as a bookkeeper and eventually retired from Frozen Foods of Rocky Ford.
 
Helen, with her husband in their retirement years, enjoyed trips in their travel trailer, camping and fishing in the Rocky Mountains.  Helen always caught the most fish!  They often brought the grandkids along, teaching them to fish, and playing various games with them in the trailer.
Helen was a charter member of the West Side Christian Church in Rocky Ford where she was very active in her earlier years, serving in many areas and offices of the church. She remained a woman of strong faith until her passing.
 
She is survived by her three sons, Dennis (Cindy) Smith of Swink, Russell Smith of Redondo Beach CA, Greg Smith of Rocky Ford, and one daughter, Becky (Mark) Osborn of Rocky Ford.  Also survived by Eleven Grandchildren, Stephanie (Bryan) Fritz, Arvada CO, Jeff Smith, Arvada CO, Luke (Melissa) Smith, Falcon, CO, Lance (Jolene) Smith of Huizhou, China, Adam Smith of Rocky Ford, Mason Smith of Rocky Ford, Sara (Arnold) Clem of Fort Collins, Braden Farmer of Pacifica, CA, Brooke (Mike) Pizzo, of Las Vegas, NV, Barrett (Hannah) Farmer, of Austin Tx , Blake Farmer, of Los Angeles, CA.  Nine Great-Grandchildren also survive, Rachel, Naomi, Hunter Fritz, Chays, and Caevan Smith, Madison, Sofia, and Rockwell Pizzo, and Everett Smith and numerous nieces and nephews. Her husband, parents and 11 siblings preceded Helen in death.
 
The family request donations to Sangre de Cristo Hospice, 124 W. Cranston, Fowler Co. 81039.
 
Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.

Services will be held Tuesday, April 26th, at 10:00 am, at Peacock Memorial Chapel, in La Junta, Co.  Interment will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery in Rocky Ford.