- My Lifestory
Smith Center - Helen Joyce Baetz, 89, passed away Saturday, September 21, 2024, at Smith Center Health and Rehab, Smith Center, KS.
Helen was born January 25, 1935, in Washington Township, Smith County, KS, the daughter of Wardie M. and Lavina C. (Carver) Hawkins. Helen attended grade school at Dewey and graduated from the Smith Center Hight School. Helen helped on the family farm and worked at Matson Boogaart store for a year. She then worked at the Smith County Treasurers office for 2 years.
On March 30, 1956, Helen married Leland Baetz at the First Christian Church, Smith Center, KS. To this union they were blessed with five children, Russell Eugene, Sharlyn Kay, Judith Lynne, Larry Duane and Kevin Wayne.
Helen and Leland established their farm together raising crops, cattle and hogs. Helen was the Smith County Register of Deeds from 1993 to 2009. She enjoyed working with the public and helping people look up their family’s history. Helen was the Deputy Register of Deeds from 2009 to 2012 and retired from the Register of Deeds on January 7, 2012.
Helen was a member of the First Christian Church, American Legion Auxiliary and Kingsbury-Chase VFW Post 1141 ladies Auxiliary all of Smith Center.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Leland, a son Larry Duane at the age of 3 years, brother Duane Hawkins, sister Melva Jean Hawkins, son-in-law Milo Shellito, and nephew Jerry Hawkins.
Helen is survived by two sons, Russell (Karen) Baetz and Kevin (Kim) Baetz all of Smith Center; two daughters, Sharlyn Shellito and Judith (Wayne) Hyman all of Smith Center; two sisters-in-law, Maydeen Hawkins of Smith Center, Norma Schriner of Axtel, NE and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, September 24, 2024, at All Faiths Funeral Chapel, 113 S. Madison St., Smith Center, KS, with Pastor Lance McDowell officiating. Visitation will be held on Monday, September 23, 2024, from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with family present to greet friends from 5-7 p.m. The burial will take place in Fairview Cemetery, Smith Center, KS. Memorials may be given to the First Christian Church and/or Kingsbury-Chase VFW Post 1141 Ladies Auxiliary, both of Smith Center, and can be sent in care of the funeral chapel.
Helen J. Baetz
January 25, 1935
September 21, 2024
- In Loving Memory