Surnames: Smith, Barker, Lee, Wood, Asplund, Scott, Breuning

----Source: Wisconsin State Journal (Madison, Wis.) 24 Nov. 2004

Smith, Helen (22 Feb. 1909 - 21 Nov. 2004)

MADISON - Helen (Lee) Smith, age 95, peacefully passed away on Sunday, Nov. 21, 2004, at her daughter's home, in Madison. Helen was born on Feb. 22, 1909 on a farm in Deerfield. She was the eldest of five children born to John and Lillian (Barker) Lee.

Helen was a teacher for rural schools in Dane County beginning at the age of 19. In 1942, Helen married William L. Smith Jr. of Neillsville. She joined her husband at military bases in New Jersey and Missouri, where her two children were born. She returned to school and graduated from UW- Whitewater in 1957, with a bachelor's degree in kindergarten-primary education. In 1965, she received a M.A. in education at UW-Milwaukee. She taught for more than 20 years in Milwaukee, and retired in 1974. She and her husband then moved to Arizona to enjoy their retirement. She volunteered at a primary school and with the American Legion, as well as other numerous organizations. She especially enjoyed dancing, painting, writing, swimming, traveling and helping her neighbors.

She is survived by her daughter, Susan Wood and her husband, Richard Asplund of Madison; a son, John Smith of Peoria, Ariz.; and grandsons Justin Wood of Milwaukee, and Nicholas Wood of Madison. She is further survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, William, in 1977; brothers, Clarence and Donald Lee; and sisters, Ruby Scott and Lorraine Breuning

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2004, from 4:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. at CRESS FUNERAL SERVICE, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison.

A memorial service will be held in Sun City, Ariz., at a later date. Private burial will be in Neillsville. In lieu of flowers, donations May be made to a favorite charity. Cress Funeral & Cremation Service 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434 www.cressfuneralservice.com