Helen Frances Hilbert

Helen Smithson Hilbert of Louisville died on October 7, 2026 at the age of 92. She was the daughter of Elmer and Beulah Smithson, a member of Christ United Methodist Church, and the Pathfinder's Sunday school class. She was a retired self-employed family portrait studio representative and a volunteer for the Ronald McDonald House. She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Richard Smithson, a daughter, Cynthia Britt, and a son, Steve Hilbert, and a devoted friend, John Klotter. She is also preceded in death by her form husband Edward Joseph Hilbert Jr., the father of her children.

Left to cherish her memory is her daughter, Debbie VanMeter, her daughter-in-law, Nina Hilbert, grandchildren, Kelly Vaughn (Bryan), Chris VanMeter (Whitney), Philip Britt (Megan), Lauren Britt Redmon (Cort), Jackie Hilbert and seven great grandchildren, Bryce and Blake Vaughn, Ava and Ty VanMeter, Sophia and Penny Britt, Olivia and Landon Redmon. 

In keeping with her request, no funeral service will be held. Cremation will follow her death, and a private burial will be held later at Louisville Memorial Gardens West. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Ronald McDonald House, Louisville, or her church, Christ Church United Methodist, 4614 Brownsboro Road, Louisville, Kentucky 40207.