Lillie Helen (Smallwood) Stranahan

Lillie Helen Stranahan, 88, of West Terre Haute, went to heaven on May 13, 2023.

She was born September 9, 1934, in Vertress, Kentucky to John Henry Smallwood and Mattie Frances Hager Smallwood.

Helen worked at General Housewares as a welder, retiring after thirty years of service. She also served as Deputy Assessor and Chief Deputy for the Sugar Creek Assessor’s Office for forty years. Helen was a Democrat Precinct Committee person for over fifteen years and Treasurer for the West Terre Haute Democrat Club for many years. Memberships include the West Haute Chapter 428 of the Eastern Stars, music officer for Job’s Daughters Bethel 88, while her daughters attended, The America Legion Post 501, and The Eagles, for well over twenty- five years.

Helen loved to go the Hair Teasers and chat with her dear friend, Pam, while getting her hair fixed. Country music was her favorite music to dance to and dance she did! She loved to travel and eat out in her favorite restaurants. Flowers were also among her favorites, and she always had to have her porch decorated every Spring. Helen took great pride in taking part in Democrat parties and hosting birthday/retirement parties. She enjoyed getting her nails done. An outing to the casino was always at the top of her list.

Our Mom was the best person we have ever known. She most of all loved her children with all her heart and protected us like a fierce lioness.

Helen is survived by her children, Connie Bolin, Terrie Stranahan (Charlie), Charles Stranahan II (Jodi), Mike Blunk (Becky); two nieces, Betty Nall (Woody) and Dorothy Wilson (Charlie, deceased), all of Kentucky. Her grandchildren, Jessica Crockett (Kyle), Joe Cooper (Tiylee), Errol Bolin, Ian Bolin, Charles Stranahan III, Savannah Lee, Bill Stranahan (Sheena), Sam Stranahan (Angela), Kylie Barnard (Cody), Casey Curtis (Eric), and Josh Curtis; and several great grandchildren.

In addition, a special acknowledgement of her favorite cousin and friend, Effie Miller, whom she loved dearly; her best friend, Gary Couch; and the many lifelong friends she made throughout her life.

She was preceded in death by the love of her life, Charles R. Stranahan I; her parents; her siblings; her granddaughter, Tiffanie Lou Cooper; great granddaughter, Trinity Graceland Rose Crab; and her stepson, David Blunk.

A sincere and heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Dr. George Bittar for his years of care and hugs; The VNA Homecare and Hospice of the Wabash Valley for their excellent and loving care.

Per Helen’s wishes, graveside services will be held in Bethesda Cemetery on Wednesday, May 17, 2023, at 11:00 a.m.; Sugar Creek Fire Department Chaplain Mark Sellers will officiate. Friends and family are invited to attend. Fitzpatrick Funeral Home, 220 N 3rd Street, West Terre Haute, Indiana was entrusted with care and arrangements. Online condolences may be made at: www.fitzpatrickfunerals.com.

May you and Dad dance barefoot on Heaven’s dance floor for eternity. Mom, we love you forever.