Katherine Smith

Katherine Rose Smith was born on February 28th, 1941 in Greeley, CO. She graduated from Greeley High School and the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley.  She later obtained a master's degree from Saint Mary's University of Minnesota in Winona, Minnesota.

She met her husband, John Smith, while he was studying at the University of Northern Colorado and they were married on August 19th, 1967. They were married for 54 years.

She and John moved to Wisconsin for the next 25 years where they raised their daughter and son, Mary Kaye and Ryan.

She devoted her life to education, running a Catechism program and teaching it for Catholic churches, teaching English, French and the Catholic faith at Pacelli Catholic High School, and after retiring tutoring at local schools where she had settled in Rapid City, SD.

She, also, found the time to devote to numerous causes to help the homeless, people in poverty, and children. Some of the organizations she worked with were St. Vincent de Paul, Bread for the World, CASA, Mother Mentors and the Franciscans.

She, also, was a voracious reader and made many lifelong friends from wherever she called home, including keeping childhood friends throughout her life.  She was a friendly light who brightened the day of all of those around her.

Katherine Rose Smith died in Westminster, Colorado on Thursday, December 2nd, 2021.

She is survived by her husband, John. Her daughter, Mary Kaye Smith. Her son, Ryan Smith, his wife, Brianne Stepanich-Smith, their daughters, Evie and Mazie. Her sister, Jane Benedict, and, her nephew, Michael Benedict. And her sister, Jillian Mariani.

A memorial gathering is being held to celebrate the life of Kathy Smith at Horan & McConaty on Thursday December 16th, 2021 at 1:00 pm.  Open visitation at 12:30 pm.