Mrs. Helen Lindsey Gish

Mrs. Helen Lindsey Gish, 93, of Valdosta, was surrounded by family when she was called home on April 10, 2024. Helen was born on December 29, 1930, in Lindseyville, Kentucky to Mr. and Mrs. Evert Lindsey. Helen enrolled at Western Kentucky University at just 16 years old, where she first met her late husband, Raymon “Rip” Gish. She later worked in the advertising department at The Courier-Journal, a prominent newspaper in Louisville, Kentucky. Helen and Rip married in 1955 and lived in Bartlesville, Oklahoma before relocating to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. They later settled in Valdosta, Georgia where together they founded and operated Gish Oil Company. Helen was an active member of Park Avenue Methodist Church. She is survived by her children, Susan (Mike) Smith and Mark (Carolyn) Gish, grandchildren, Michael (Leslie) Smith, Alden (Matt) Cheij, and Erin (George) Summers, and great-grandchildren, Aubrey Smith, Mary Allen Smith, Caroline Cheij, and Smith Summers. She was predeceased by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Evert Lindsey, sisters, Elsie and Naomi, and her husband of nearly 60 years, Raymon “Rip” Gish.

Helen was an avid gardener and an unmatched southern cook. She was happiest outdoors by her pool, the lake, or the ocean. To some she was “Helen”, but to many she was “Mimi.” She loved all things feminine and followed fashion and beauty trends through the final years of her life. In short, she loved beautiful things, and making things beautiful. More than anything else, she loved spending time with her family, who adored her as their beloved matriarch.

A private service will be held at McLane Riverview Memorial Gardens. Online condolences may be shared at www.mclanecares.com.

Carson McLane Funeral Home