The family of Aileen S. Githens sadly announces her passing, at the age of 97, on July 17, 2026. Aileen was born January 10, 1929, in Highland County, Ohio, the third child of Doris B. and W.A. Smith, Jr. The Smiths were both a farming and a musical family, with Aileen singing harmonies with her brother and 2 sisters, as well as playing the piano and saxophone. Aileen graduated from Marshall High School in 1946 before going to Wilmington College. It was while she was in college that she met the love of her life, former Army Sargent Paul Githens. Many years later, Aileen returned to school to earn a master's degree from Ball State University.

Aileen and Paul's early marriage, spent in Greenfield, Ohio, was focused on their family, namely the addition of their four children: Penny, Sharon, Cathy, and Steve. In 1958, the family moved to Richmond, Indiana, and a year later Aileen began a 33-year career teaching primarily business education classes at Richmond Senior High School. Aileen loved teaching, and she maintained contact with some of her students for many decades after they had graduated. Upon retirement, Aileen and Paul owned and operated the Githens Tree Farm north of Richmond, where a generation of kids enjoyed choosing and cutting their own Christmas tree. Even in her seventies, Aileen didn't slow down, working as a sales representative for Tom and Cindy Herold's figurine business.

Aileen relocated to Friends Fellowship Community over a decade ago. From the time she moved in, the residents and staff were wonderful. Moving there proved to be a great decision, one Aileen was very happy with.

Aileen and Paul loved to travel, and that included all over North America, Kenya, and the Philippines. Most people who knew Aileen will tell you that she was always cheerful and never met a stranger. What most people do not know is that before arthritis took over, she happily played the piano and was an amazing seamstress.

Aileen was predeceased by her parents, her husband Paul, her daughter Sharon, her siblings Beveraly, Pat, and Jeanette. She is survived by her son Steve (Michell Githens) and daughters Cathy Githens and Penny Githens (Ed Buffie). She also leaves behind eight grandchildren: Anthony Herold, Bradley Herold (Vanessa), Carlos Githens, Daniel Githens (Erika), Nathan Buffie, Nicholas Buffie (Priscila), Sarah Skoll (Christopher) and Hannah Githens, along with two great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and her "adopted" daughter Jeanne Nordstrom.

The family wishes to extend its deep gratitude to the incredible staff at Friends Fellowship Community for the wonderful care and assistance throughout Aileen's time there. Following Aileen's wishes, she will be cremated. A memorial service will be held later, at a time when the far-flung family can gather. Online condolences may be shared with Aileen's family via the guest book at stegallberheideorr.com