Helen, or Lou or Aunt Lou as she was affectionately known by her family, was born May, 1928 in a log home in Fishtrap, Montana to John "Jack" and Mattie Paddock and passed away on February 16, 2023 in Clancy, Montana.

She grew up on a cattle ranch in the Big Hole Valley also known as the "valley of 10,000 haystacks." She attended a one room schoolhouse for eight years where she often rode her horse to school and then moved to Anaconda for high school, earning her diploma in May of 1945. She had fond memories of growing up with her sister Alma and brother Steve. She spoke often of her dog Blondie. Her class saw all the changes and challenges that accompanied World War II.

In the fall of 1945, Helen enrolled in Montana State College in Bozeman, Montana., later known as Montana State University, living in three different dorms during her two years on campus. The Fall of 1947 found Helen and 12 of her classmates in the Great Falls Deaconess Nurses' Home as "probies." She told of how she and her friends terrorized the hospital with their antics, but they still did a lot of work! She graduated on St. Patrick's Day 1950, took her boards in late May and happily passed her boards along with her entire class. She graduated with a BS in nursing.

She began her nursing career in the Deaconess Central Supply, Great Falls, working call in surgery until late 1950. She then moved to Seattle. She worked in surgery at Virginia Mason Hospital in Seattle until the spring of 1954.

In May 1954, she joined the U.S. Air Force. Louise's first assignment was Eglin AFB, Florida. In August 1957 she went to Châteauroux-Déols Air Base, France. In August 1959 to Offutt AFB, Nebraska. She also attended flight school in San Antonio, Texas the fall of 1960. In August 1961 she was sent to Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, surviving the earthquake of 1964! In 1964 she drove the Alaskan Highway enroute to F.E. Warren AFB, Wyoming. After Wyoming Louise was transferred to Fort Shaw AFB, South Carolina in January 1968. In January 1971 Louise was transferred to Cam Rahn Air Force Base, Cam Rahn Bay, South Vietnam, working in surgery and wherever needed. She didn't like the sound of Hueys coming in because it meant more wounded coming. In March 1972 she came back state side to Davis Monthan AFB, Arizona, where she retired on May 31, 1974, as a Lieutenant Colonel. Her specialty was operating nurse and flight nurse. Her family often referred to her as "The Colonel."

She was married to Earl Smith in May of 1973. The couple lived in Tucson until Earl's death from cancer in 1980. She remained in Tucson until her final move to Helena, Montana in 2001.

In 1982 an air force nurse friend of Louise retired, and they traveled the world together. They made it to all 7 continents, saw the good and the bad, but she loved it all! One of her favorite trips was camping in a tent in the wilds of South Africa!

She was a life member of the Tucson Medical Center Auxiliary where she also volunteered. While she was still able, she performed other volunteer service, often with the American Red Cross assisting with blood drives and at Good Samaritan. She was an avid knitter and reader. She enjoyed spending time with family!

She is survived by her nephews: John (Linda) Stangland, Christopher (Marilyn) Paddock, David (Robin) Stangland, Todd Paddock, and her nieces: Norma (Ken) Asplund, Mattie Paddock, and Gloria Paddock and many great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents John (Jack) and Mattie Paddock: sisters Bessie (Norman) Risch, and Alma (Dell) Stangland, and a brother Stephen (Gloria) Paddock.

With Louise there was never a dull moment! She had a lot of spunk and was loved by many. We miss her dearly.

In her words, "I didn't set the world on fire or have an exciting life, but it was a good life. All the people I have met, friends I have made and the places I have been…who could ask for more?"

A memorial service at the Veterans' Cemetery, Fort Harrison, MT will be at a future date in the spring. Cremation has taken place.

Memorials are suggested to the Wounded Warriors Project or to an organization of the donor's choice.