Helen Earles, age 90, of Collins, Iowa, died Saturday, December 23, 2017, at Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames, Iowa.

Visitation will be held At Ryan Funeral Home in Nevada on Friday, December 29, 2017, from 1-3 p.m.  Private graveside committal services will be held at a later date in the Evergreen Cemetery at Collins. 

Born June 27, 1927, in Colo, Iowa, Helen Berniece (Wood) Earles was the daughter of Lawrence and Dorothy (Cheville) Wood.  She grew up in Colo, then moved to Nevada with her family.

On May 10, 1946, Helen was united in marriage to Lawrence Smith.  The couple farmed near Zearing and was blessed with two children, Michael and Dianna.  They were later divorced.

Helen married Homer Raines and added three children to the family:  Bob, Russell, and Sheila.  After Homer’s death, Helen married Elmo “Wood” Earles on December 31, 1966.  The couple settled in Collins where Helen continued to live until the time of her death.

She enjoyed puzzles, crocheting, and canning.  Helen possessed a positive nature and a good sense of humor.  She cherished her family above all else.

Survivors include four children:  Dianna (Allen) Stokesbary of Nevada, Bob (Peggy) Raines of Collins, Russell (Peggie) Raines of Collins, and Sheila (Anthony) Cantrell of Nevada; a daughter-in-law, Billie Smith of Collins; three step-children, Connie Smith of Maxwell, Carol Barrett, and Bob (Jackie) Earles of Boone; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and other extended family members.

She was preceded in death by her husbands; a son, Michael Smith; her parents; and two brothers, Raymond Wood and Vernon Wood.

Ryan Funeral Home of Nevada has been entrusted with the care of Helen and her family.  In lieu of flowers, memorials in Helen’s name may be directed to the family.