Helen S. (Smith) Robertson Rayles, 89, a lifelong Frankfort resident, died April 2, 2024 at Wesley Manor. She was born November 3, 1934 in Frankfort, Ind. to Ivan R. & Minnie (Downs) Smith. She married David A. Robertson in 1954 and he passed in June of 1978. She then married Richard “Dick” Rayles in 1986 and he passed on December 11, 2023.
Helen was a 1953 graduate of Frankfort High School, received her Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree from Indiana University and Butler University. She was a teacher and guidance counselor at Clinton Central Schools for 26 years, retiring in 1993. Helen was a member of the St. Matthew United Methodist Church. Helen loved life and volunteered for several organizations in Frankfort
Visitation and Services
A Celebration of Life will be held from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at Arborwood by Shoup's, 100 N. Park Dr., Frankfort, IN 46041. Private family burial will take place in St. Paul Cemetery, Forest, Indiana. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Matthew United Methodist Church, Clinton County Boys and Girls Club or the Clinton County Humane Society. Clinton County Crematory and Goodwin Funeral Home, 200 S. Main St., Frankfort are assisting the family.
Survived by:
the following family members: 2 Daughters: Robin (Bob) Lauth of Carmel, Kim (Mike) Vonderahe of Kokomo, Son: Rusty (Cindy) Robertson of Cave Creek, AZ, 4 Sisters: Patty (Frank) Smith of Florida,
Preceded by:
her parents, both spouses, 2 brothers, Bennie and Jim Smith and sister Norma Smith.
I am sorry for your family’s loss. Helen was my kindergarten/first grade teacher in Scircleville the last year before Clinton Central Elementary opened. I credit her with my life long love of reading and learning. I graduated from college and with all those different teachers, no one was better. She helped put me on the course that got me where I am today. I’ll never forget her.
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Facebook Twitter GoogleDear Family of Helen,
Mere words cannot express my sympathy for the loss of such a kind woman. She was one of the kindest people on earth. When I moved back to Frankfort from Cincinnati my kids and I struggled to find appropriate challenging education for them and in the years they went to Clinton Central Elementary she was a Godsend. She always had a smile and encouraging word. She had been friends with my parents for years and when my mom was in memory care at Wesley Manor, Helen showed her kindness yet again in helping my mom. Over the years she was also a personal fashion icon to me! I just loved her to pieces and will miss her beautiful presence in the world. Peace to you, her family.
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Facebook Twitter GoogleHelen and I shared rides from Russiaville to IU-Kokomo, 1963-1964. I was a freshman, just graduated from Western High School. She was the busy mother of 3, embarking on her higher education journey. We also shared an exemplary aunt and uncle, Mary Elizabeth (Robertson) [aunt of Helen’s husband David] and Ralph [my mother’s brother] Butler. Five years down the road in 1968, my first job as a high school librarian was at Frankfort Senior High School. There, Helen’s mother, Minnie Smith, was a welcoming and friendly presence from her role in the school’s cafeteria. While still living (barely) into Howard County from Clinton County (on the Rabbit Track-one mile south of State Road 26), Helen managed to finish her schooling and start her career, raise three active teenagers, be active in Forest United Methodist Church, be a single mom, and be elected to serve on the Western School Board. Her path to excellence in education and life was well constructed.
From reading the multitude of submitted condolences for Helen over the past 6 weeks since her passing, it is quite evident that her combined experiences of parent and teacher and community activist played out to the “good” for her students, her colleagues, her family, and her friends. The many first person testimonials as to Helen’s influence in the academic and personal aspects of life are inspiring. Thanks for a life well lived!!
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