Helen Smith

Helen Smith, age 98, of Rigby, died at her home Sunday, December 18, 2005. Helen was born at Jefferson County, Kansas July 23, 1907, a daughter of Samuel Leewood Persing and Bertha May Chatham Persing. She attended Jefferson County, Kansas Schools. On November 18, 1929, she married Luther Smith. They moved to Idaho in October of 1934 settling in Swan Valley where they farmed until moving to Idaho Falls October 18, 1949. Luther passed away March 7, 1988. Helen moved to Rigby in 1998. She was honored to be the 100 year Jefferson County Stampede Grand Marshall and enjoyed riding in the parade. Helen was a foster mother to Elma Morgan, Joyce Miles, Bill Reed of Rigby, Annis Allen of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Ardeth Sizemore of Arizona, Bill Shurtliff of Idaho Falls, Kathy Moore of Salt Lake City, Utah, and Wayne McKay of California. Funeral services will be held Thursday December 22, 2005 at 11:00 a.m. in the Eckersell Memorial Chapel, 101 West Main Street, Rigby, with Bishop Brad Anderson officiating. The family will visit with friends for one hour prior to the services. Burial will follow services in Fielding Memorial Park Cemetery. Donations may be made to the Idaho Youth Ranch (478 Shoup Ave Idaho Falls, Idaho 83402).