Helen Conover Smyth, 78, passed peacefully on Nov. 17, 2014, in Brookings, Oregon.

Helen was born on Feb. 12, 1936, in Payson, Utah. At age 3, her parents moved to Anchorage, Alaska, where her father, Dean, began work for the Alaska Railroad. Helen and her sister, Jeannie, were raised in Anchorage and developed a life-long love of the state and people. The family enjoyed frequent trips to their Big Lake cabin through the years.

Helen attended Anchorage High School, was on the women's ski team, and graduated in 1954. She married William Smyth in February 1955, in Anchorage and moved to California later that year, where Bill began his Aerospace career in the Civil Service.

Helen and Bill raised two children, Ken and Diane. When her children were in elementary school, Helen began a career at the Bank of America for 10 years and enjoyed assisting customers. The family lived mostly in California, moving frequently with Bill's career. They also lived in England, New Mexico and Brussels, Belgium, from 1985-88, traveling extensively in Europe. They retired in Granite Bay, California where they enjoyed boating, gardening, golfing and traveling in their motorhome. Helen was a volunteer at the Folsom Powerhouse and Historical Society and enjoyed sharing California history with visitors. In 1997, they sold their house and traveled full-time in their motorhome around the U.S., Mexico, Canada and Alaska for four years.

In 2000 on their RV travels they discovered the beautiful town of Brookings, Oregon and have lived there since. Helen and Bill have enjoyed the Oregon coast's beauty and regularly hosted family and friends visits. Helen was warm-hearted, fun to be around, and always willing to help. She will be missed and is forever in the hearts of her family and friends. Helen is survived by her husband of 59 years, Bill of Brookings, Oregon, son, Ken Smyth and wife; Cynthia of Cupertino, California; daughter, Diane Jones of San Jose, California; granddaughter, Kelly Smyth; grandson Sean; and grandson Ben Pelletaire: grandson, Ben Pelletaire, Missoula, Mont.; sister, Jean Ryan and husband, Pat of Anchorage, Alaska; niece, Cindi Hill and husband, Steve of Anchorage, Alaska; and nephew, Steve Doss and wife, Dana of Campbell, California. 

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, Dean and Betty Conover, long-time residents of Anchorage, Alaska. A memorial service and funderal for Helen will be held in Anchorage, Alaska on Monday, August 10, 2015.  She will be laid to rest at Anchorage Memorial Park Cemetery next to her parents.