Helen Beth Bross

Helen Beth Bross, age 77, longtime Clinton resident, was born August 10, 1948, in Waurika, Oklahoma, to Bill and Gladys (Jones) Smith, and passed away peacefully in her Clinton home on February 1, 2026.

Helen was raised in Comanche, Oklahoma. She attended elementary school in Grandview, Oklahoma, and graduated from Comanche High School with the Class of 1966. Throughout her life, Helen was known for her strong work ethic, generous heart, and love for her family and community.

She was a proud member of the American Legion Post 36 in Tucson, Arizona, and a lifetime member of the VFW Post 4465 Auxiliary in Clinton. She was also a member of the Rose Monroe Society. Helen was a licensed beautician and spent many years doing hair, a profession that allowed her to build lasting friendships. She later worked at the Kelwood factory in Clinton and devoted more than 30 years as a hostess at the VFW Post 4465, retiring in 2018.

On December 13, 1975, Helen married the love of her life, Lloyd Bross, in El Reno, Oklahoma. After living briefly in Oklahoma City, the couple moved to Clinton in 1978, a community Helen already cherished as she had been commuting there daily for her work at the VFW. She  attended the  First Christian Church in Clinton.

Helen found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved watching Oklahoma City Thunder basketball, playing pool, visiting the casinos, attending her nieces’ activities, and spending time with her family, whom she loved deeply.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Gladys Smith; her husband, Lloyd Bross, in 1999; sisters Patsy Davis and husband M.B. Davis, Betty Glenn, and Dorthy Maylox; and brothers Harold Ray Smith and Rudy Smith.

Helen is survived by her nephews, Harold Davis and wife Daena of Farmersville, Texas, and Mark Davis of Waurika, Oklahoma; her niece, Pam Criswell and husband Bryan of Elk City, Oklahoma; her grand-nieces, Lexus Criswell, Aspen Criswell, Kylee Robinson, and Kaci Davis; and her great-grand niece and nephew, Lane and Avery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the breast cancer fund of the donor’s choice.

Graveside services will be held at 1:00 P.M., Friday, February 6, 2026, at the Clinton Cemetery, with Doyle Kinney officiating. Services are under the direction of Lee Hometown Funeral Home.

Honorary Pallbearers will be

Herman Harrelson, Harold Davis, Mark Davis, Bryan Criswell, and Buddy Davis