Helen M. Rutan Smith, known to everyone she knew as “Mother”, 87 of Waldron passed away Saturday August 8, 2026 at the home of her son.

Born July 31, 1939 in Columbus she was the daughter of James Ernest Rutan and Mary L. Grose. She married Gene Smith September 7, 1957 and he preceded her in death January 7, 2014.

Mother loved spending time with her family and cooking for everyone. She enjoyed bowling, fishing, and scrapbooking.

She is survived by children, Lewis E. (Yolanda) Smith, Jr. of Shelbyville, Bonnie (Tony) Thopy of Shelbyville, Bruce (Julia) Smith of Summitville, John David (Tracy) Smith of Waldron and Michael Allen Smith of Waldron; grandchildren, John David Smith, II of Waldron, Ethan Thopy of Franklin, Alexina Smith of Key West, FL., Lilly Smith of Summitville and Kamilah Martin of Columbus; 10 great grandchildren; siblings, Gerald Rutan of Spraytown, Bill Rutan of Florida, Johnny Rutan of Elizabethtown, Mark Rutan of Columbus, and Betty Shepherd of Columbus and several nieces and nephews.

As per Mother’s request cremation will take place. There will be a memorial visitation for Mother Friday August 14 from 5 to 7 pm at Norman Funeral Home in Hope.

A graveside service at Hope Moravian Cemetery will be at a later date.

In memory of Mother monetary donations may be donated to the NICU at Riley Children’s Hospital.

Mother was preceded in death by, her parents; husband, Gene; sisters, Kathryn Bramlett, Marty Arterburn, Dottie Reel, Jackie Rutan and Debbie Hollin; brothers, Robert Leon Rutan and James Stoner and a grandson, Dylan Smith.