Helen Smith

On April 10, 2026, Helen Smith of Portage, Michigan, peacefully passed away at the age of 102. Helen was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, on February 18, 1924, to Erving and Grace Starrett. She grew up in a large, loving family alongside her siblings Thora, Harry, Thelma, Frederick, Marion, and Patricia, and graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School. As a child, she cherished visiting her grandparents, the Roricks, where she picked raspberries on their farm. She often shared memories of a simpler time when her family did not own an automobile and could walk to school, work, and the store. As a teenager, she worked at the Kalamazoo State Theatre. Helen knew of Randall Smith from school and always thought he was very handsome. One evening, she and her sister Pat attended a dance at Elm Grove, where Helen gathered the courage to ask him to dance. From that moment on, they were inseparable. They were married on March 20, 1942, and shortly thereafter Randall was deployed during World War II. While Randall was away at war, Helen formed a lifelong friendship with Jean Morman, whose husband was also serving overseas. The two women supported each other during those difficult years and remained dear friends throughout their long lives; Jean also lived to be 100. Helen and Randall raised three sons: Terry, Paul, and Tim. Helen devoted herself to raising their boys while also supporting Randall in operating Smitty's Refrigeration, a family business that served the community for over 50 years until Tim's retirement. The family lived near Randall's sister Ila and her husband Abe, whose four daughters grew up alongside Helen's children. Together, the cousins shared a close-knit childhood bond that continued well into adulthood. Helen and Randall loved spending time with family, hosting cookouts at the lake, taking their children and grandchildren skiing and tubing, and enjoying poolside gatherings. They also traveled together to Florida, Hawaii, Mexico, and Las Vegas. Randall was the love of Helen's life, and their marriage was a true love story that lasted until his passing in 2000. Helen found great joy in her flower gardens, especially her vibrant zinnia bed that bloomed each summer just beneath her living room window. Helen was preceded in death by her parents, all of her siblings, her beloved husband Randall, and her grandson Sean Smith. She is survived by her sons Terry Smith, Paul Smith (Larry Gorham), and Tim Smith; her grandchildren Casey Smith (Sarah), Randy Smith (Tracey), Chris Smith, Shannon Burlison (Ronnie), and Jessica Garcia (Joe); as well as many great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Visitation will take place the evening of Monday, April 20 from 5 to 7 p.m., at Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial and Cremation Services, Portage Location, at 411 E. Centre Ave., Portage, MI 49002. The following day, Tuesday, April 21 a funeral service will be held at the same location at 11 a.m., with one hour of visitation prior. After the funeral service, burial will take place at Mt. Ever Rest South, 3921 S. Westnedge Ave., Kalamazoo, 49008.