Kaye Smith

December 26, 2021

Patricia "Kaye" Smith, age 85, passed away on Sunday, December 26, 2021, at her home in Pierce City, MO. She was born in Bethpage, MO on Monday, July 20, 1936; daughter of Vaughn and Christine (Brock) Kelly. Mrs. Smith graduated from Rocky Comfort High School and then attended University of Arkansas where she was a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority before transferring to Missouri Southern State University where she obtained a bachelor’s degree in Education. Katie, as J.D. always called her, married JD on June 22, 1956, in Monett, MO. He passed away on December 12, 2011. Mrs. Smith was an English teacher in Pierce City and Sarcoxie School Districts. Mrs. Smith and JD loved music and enjoyed singing together while he played the piano. She was a member of the First Congregational Church in Pierce City, MO where she sang in the choir for many years. Mrs. Smith was able to perform with Al Brumley in the past. Mrs. Smith was a doting mother. Missy was the "light of her life". She loved doing things for Missy and JD. They were her world. Mrs. Smith enjoyed entertaining others. She loved to cook, shop, plant flowers, water ski, dance with J.D. and go to the horse races in Hot Springs, AR. The family spent many years at the lake and enjoyed their cabin on Table Rock. Mrs. Smith followed and watched the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Kansas City Chiefs. She was passionate about the English language, grammar and enjoyed working crossword puzzles. Mrs. Smith was a member of the Educational Club in Pierce City and was a founding member of the Roaring River Parks Alliance. Surviving are the following: one daughter, Melissa (Patrick) Smith-Riddle of Pierce City, MO; one sister, Pam Franzoy of Phoenix, AZ; one brother, Terry Kelly of Phoenix, AZ, one granddaughter, Shellsea (Shaun) Finnegan of Aurora, MO and their two children, John Patrick and George Finnegan. She will be missed by many other friends. Friends may come to visit at Lakin Funeral Home in Pierce City, MO on Monday, January 3, 2022, from 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Graveside services and burial will be at Sparks Cemetery in Butterfield, MO on Tuesday, January 4, 2022, beginning at 10:00 AM. Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Lakin Funeral Home in Pierce City, MO.