Helen Elaine Smyth, 74 of Ely, passed away Thursday, February 16, 2012 in her home, surrounded by her loving family. Services will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, February 20th at First Presbyterian Church near Ely. Burial will follow in Oakland Cemetery in Solon. Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday at Brosh Chapel in Solon. Helen was born November 29, 1937 in rural Iowa County, the daughter of Emmett and Bertina (Hummer) Smith. She married Elmer Smyth on March 26, 1957 at the First Presbyterian Church near Ely. Helen enjoyed gardening, baking, listening to music, going dancing, spontaneous drives that would involve trips to Dairy Queens, going on shopping trips with the girls, playing cards and marbles with her family and friends. She was very proud of her family and cherished the time spent with them, and she said, "I loved every one of them, and wouldn't trade one for anything." Helen is survived by her husband Elmer of nearly 55 years; sons Russell Smyth of Shueyville, Dean Smyth of Anamosa, Randy Smyth (Mindy Fisher) of Ely, Tim (Joy) Smyth of Ely; daughters Marilyn (Steve) Grover of Solon, Patty Smyth (Dean Block) of Ely, Molly (Kenny) Nearad of Solon; grandchildren Casey (Sara) Grover, Sondra Grover, Breanna Block, Aaron Stevens, Kyle Smyth, David Smyth, Heather Smyth, Cory Fisher, Deanna Fisher, Morgan, Jessica and Taylor Nearad, Shane and Jaytee Smyth; a great-grandson Landon Fox; a brother Vernon Smith of Solon and a sister Evelyn (Pierson "Tinker") Benedict of Kalona. She was preceded in death by her parents, and a grandson Corey James Grover. Memorials may be directed to the family.