Kathryn J. Smith Obituary (1953 - 2022)

Kathryn J. Smith, 69, of Mendota, passed away on Friday, August 5, 2022 at Heritage Health in Mendota. Her memorial service will be held at 1 pm on Wednesday, August 10, 2022 at Merritt Funeral Home, where a visitation will follow services from 2 to 4 pm. Cremation rites have been accorded. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mendota Companion Animal Centre, Mendota. To express condolences online, please visit www.carmodyflynn.com. She was born July 29, 1953 in Mendota, daughter of Daniel and Kathryn Andrews Biers. In her first marriage, she had three beautiful daughters, whom she adored. She later married Kenneth L. Smith on January 21, 1987, and she gained two more loving daughters. Surviving are her husband of 35 years, Kenneth Smith of Mendota; five daughters, Wendy (Jay) Klatt and Dawn (Rob) McCollom, both of Mendota; Jodell "Joey" Jarman of Normal; Kris Smith of Sterling and Kendra (Ed) Harrington of Coleta; ten grandchildren, Brooklyn (Dan) Loos of Springfield, Payton Klatt of Decatur, Karsyn Klatt of Mendota, Kennedy McCollom of Mendota, Jalynn & Cambrie Jarman of Normal, Tyler Barnes of Rock Falls, Jacob Barnes of Sterling, Cheyenne Harrington of Wisconsin and Jerrett Harrington of Coleta; three great-grandchildren, Saige, Ellie and Cooper. Also surviving are one brother, Danny Lee Biers and one sister, Sharon (Norm) Lemmer, both of Mendota; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her sister, Mary Lou Reppin. Kathy worked as a waitress, bartender and occasionally as a cook for local family restaurants; starting at age 13 with the family business, "The Red Rose" and retiring from "Parkway Family Restaurant." She was also a member of the Mendota Moose Lodge #714 for 37 years. Kathy enjoyed all things in life that made her laugh, but her family was her world. If you would see Kathy out, it would be cheering at an activity for a grandchild, attending Holy Cross Church with her sister, Sharon, or catching breakfast with the "parkway crew." When at home, she loved cooking, reading a good book, watching the Chicago Cubs and relaxing with her husband and having "Pip," her 4-legged best friend, curled up on her lap. She was the matriarch of her family and it was a badge she wore well. "Forever and Ever."