Helen Louise (Smith) Woodby, formerly of Morenci, MI, went to live with Jesus at the age of 84 on Monday, November 29, 2021, in her home at Brookdale Senior Living Community, Adrian, MI. She was born to Thomas R. and Helen B. (Commers) Smith on January 8, 1937, in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Helen graduated from Ebensburg-Cambria High School in 1954 and from Windber Hospital School of Nursing in 1957. Her nursing career included working at the National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD; Morenci Area Hospital, Morenci, MI; and Dr. Robert Nyce's Office in Fayette, OH. She married Richard Woodby on October 11, 1958, at First Brethren Church in Vinco, PA. They were blessed with 57 years together before Richard passed away. As a city girl turned country girl, Helen poured her life into her family: husband, children, grandchildren, then great grandchildren. Helen's gifts of hospitality and generosity blessed many friends and neighbors through the years. She continued to care for others and serve during her residence at Brookdale Senior Living in addition to acting as treasurer for the Residence Council and serving on the Welcoming Committee.
Having accepted Jesus as Savior as a child, Helen, along with her husband, faithfully attended and served in their local church, currently First Baptist Church of Weston. In addition to her church, she also served on the Southeast Michigan Chapter of Child Evangelism Fellowship Committee. She remained active with the Lenawee County Farm Bureau "156 Sodbusters" until earlier this year.
Helen is survived by her children, Connie (Curt) Gordon of Hermitage, PA, Cindy (Scott) Graham of Adrian, MI, Richard L. (Sue) Woodby of Grand Haven, MI, and Gloria (Bob) Curtis of Allendale, MI; 19 grandchildren, Andrew (Chelsey) Gordon, Daniel (Danae) Gordon, Eric (Courtney) Graham, Ryan (Amy) Graham, Julie (Jon) Seneker, Tyler Graham, Kate (JP) Layug, Karin (Luke) Bylsma, Kristin (Nathan) Muse, Thomas (Rachel ) Woodby, Michael (Jadee) Woodby, Benjamin (Beth) Curtis, Joshua (Stacy) Curtis, Zachary (Alison) Curtis, Alicia (Nate) King, Caleb Curtis, Ethan (Evie) Curtis, Christina Curtis, and Samuel Curtis; 36 great grandchildren; a Brother-in-Law, Tom (Mildred) Woodby of Chattanooga, TN, a Sister-in-Law Joyce Woodby of Kendalville, IN and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Thomas and William Smith; brothers-in-law Frank, Carrol, Howard and Gordon Woodby; and great grandchild, Sarah Graham and 4 others, as early losses in pregnancy

A Funeral Service will be held at Anderson-Marry Funeral Home in Adrian, MI, Saturday, December 4, 2021, at 11AM with Pastor Curt Gordon and Pastor Duane Cross officiating. Burial will be at Porter-Packard Cemetery.