Helen Rae Smith (1922-2006)

SMITH, MORGAN, DALEY, SOJKA, BARKDOLL, GISH

Posted By: Ames Tribune
Date: 3/15/2006 at 06:57:34

THE AMES TRIBUNE, Ames, Story County, Iowa, Tuesday, March 14, 2006.

Helen Rae Daley Smith, 83, died unexpectedly Thursday, March 9, in her home at the Biltmore Estates in Phoenix. A beloved mother, daughter, sister, aunt, grandmother and friend to many, she was born Sept. 27, 1922, in Ames.

A memorial service with viewing will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 15, at Green Acres Funeral Home in Scottsdale, Ariz., with the service immediately following. A second service will be Friday, March 17, at Adams Funeral Home in Ames. Visitation will be 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. with services immediately following. Internment will be in Ames Cemetery.

Helen was married for more than 40 years to Clyde B. Smith. This partnership yielded one of the most successful grocery chains in Arizona history, Smitty's Big Town. She later was married to a retired military officer, Earl Morgan, of Las Vegas.

A philanthropist, benefactress and independent investor, she touched the lives of countless persons in Arizona, Pennsylvania and her beloved home state of Iowa. She funded the development of the Daley Park in Ames as a living memorial to her family. She was a self-taught musician and a practitioner of numerous refined arts. She surrounded herself with beautiful things, and her sense of style and propriety molded the lives of her daughters and influenced all who knew and came in contact with her. Yet, she had an adventurous side. She was the first "lady" NASCAR race team owner.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Gertrude Daley, all three of her brothers and her grandson, Dirk Sojka.

She is survived by her three daughters, Sandy Sojka and husband Gary of Middleburg, Pa., Linda Barkdoll and husband Phillip of Phoenix and Vinton; Karen Gish and husband Dale of Dolores, Colo.; and eight grandchildren. She was also loved by numerous step-grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and her loyal staff, led by her personal secretary of 22 years, Kathy Thiher.

Contributions, in lieu of flowers, can be made to the Geisinger Medical Foundation, 100 N. Academy Avenue, Danville, PA, 17822.

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