Kathleen Alice Smith, 78, of rural Columbia City, died unexpectedly of natural causes at 12:02 p.m. Monday, June 26, 2023, at her home.

Born on April 5, 1945, in Shepherd, Michigan, she was the daughter of the late Frances and Edna (DeLong) Williams. Losing her parents at an early age, she was raised by foster parents, the late Frank and Treva McNeal. She completed Strickland Elementary School and graduated from Shepherd High School in 1963.

On March 19, 1966, she married Eric M. Smith. They made their first home in Lansing, Michigan. In 2007, they made their home in rural Columbia City.

In addition to raising three children and maintaining the home, she worked as a dental assistant at Periodontics Specialists in Fort Wayne. Turning her hobby of antiquing into a business, she maintained booth space at the local antique malls.

She enjoyed painting, working with both watercolors and oils. Having many dogs through the years, she leaves behind her beloved German Shepherd, Tucker. She was a member of Life Community Church in Fort Wayne.

Surviving is her husband of 57 years, Eric; children, Eric Matthew (Angie) Smith, Jennifer L. (Dave) Gareiss, both of Fort Wayne and Patrick M. (Melissa) Smith of Columbia City; grandchildren, Lauren (Neal) Stangland, Molinda (David) Wilkins, Madison (Tucker) Daniel, Isaac (Kristina) Smith, Christian Sturtevant, Bayley Smith, Carter Smith, Austin Gareiss, Isaiah Smith,  and Jackson Smith; great-grandchildren, Jade, Sawyer, Cali, Rory, August, Lola, Rhett, Wyatt, Braylen.

Additionally, she was preceded in death by brothers John, Thomas, and Patrick Williams and a foster brother, Dan McNeal.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Life Community Church,7222 W. Jefferson Blvd., Fort Wayne.

Memorials in Kathleen's honor are to the Light House, Columbia City.