Mindi S. Eden (Smith) Obituary (1966

Mindi S. Eden (Smith), age 59, of Corbin, Kentucky, passed away at home surrounded by her loved ones. While her passing leaves an undeniable quiet, anyone who knew Mindi knows she would prefer to be remembered not in silence, but in laughter, stories, and shared moments. Mindi was born on December 19, 1966, in Easton, Maryland, to the late Mary Ellen Dulin. She is survived by her father, Harold Smith and Jackie Smith of Richmond, Kentucky. From an early age, Mindi demonstrated both independence and determination, beginning her college journey at just 16 years old. She went on to earn her Bachelor’s degree in psychology from Eastern Kentucky University in 1995, an accomplishment she held with great pride. She is survived by her devoted partner in everything of 24 years, William “Bill” Giles of Corbin; her son, Boone Eden of Corbin; her sister, Marisa Greer of Corbin; and her stepsisters; Cecelia Spears of Indianapolis, Indiana, Cynthia Katalinas of Safety Harbor, Florida, and Marlene Anderson of Indianapolis, Indiana. She also leaves behind nieces, extended family, and a remarkably large circle of friends—though “remarkably large” still feels like an understatement in Mindi’s case. At home, she was never without the companionship of her dog, Pita, and she carried the memory of her beloved cat, Buffy, with her. She was preceded in death by her mother, Mary Ellen Dulin, and her step-brother, Troy Frazier of Indiana. Mindi had a gift that can’t be taught: she genuinely loved people. She never met a stranger—only someone she hadn’t made laugh yet. Whether you had two legs or four, you were fair game for friendship. Her humor leaned delightfully toward the dry and dark, delivered with a timing that made it unforgettable. Mindi also found a natural home on stage. She participated in local theater productions, appeared as an extra in films, and, for the past six years, performed stand-up comedy under the stage name “MinDee.” She didn’t just enjoy making people laugh—she needed to. It was her way of connecting, of giving something of herself to others. And somehow, in between all of that, she managed to become a decades-long sweepstakes enthusiast with a surprising amount of success—proving that luck, like humor, seemed to follow her. Mindi gave back to her community through her involvement in local theater groups, supporting the creative spaces that meant so much to her. In her honor, memorial contributions may be made to Tri-County Mystery Meets in Barbourville, Millstone Community Theater Guild in London, or the Knox Whitley Animal Shelter in Corbin. If Mindi left us with anything, and she left us with plenty, it’s this: talk to people, laugh loudly, take the trip, tell the story, and don’t be afraid to stand in the spotlight for a moment. She certainly did, and she made it brighter for everyone else. A funeral service honoring Mindi S. Eden (Smith) will be held on Thursday, April 2, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. in the chapel of House-Rawlings Funeral Home with Pastor Michael Barnes officiating. She will be laid to rest at Smith Family Cemetery in London, Kentucky. The family will receive friends on Thursday beginning at 11:00 a.m. until the funeral hour, also at the funeral home. The family has entrusted House-Rawlings Funeral Home with the arrangements.