Kay Donna Smith passed away in her home surrounded by her loving family Sunday, March 23, 2025, at the age of 88, a longtime resident on Little Eagle Lake of Warsaw.
She was born in Whitley County Hospital on Sept. 24, 1936, to Virgil “Pete” Freed and Mabel Jenkins Freed, North Manchester. Born the eldest of two, Karen Boggs was her younger sister.
She was the loving wife of high school sweetheart James “Jim” Alden Smith. They were married Nov. 28, 1954. They continued to have a long and strong marriage of over 65 years. Jim passed away in 2019.
A lifelong resident of Kosciusko County, she was raised outside of Silver Lake where she graduated from Silver Lake High School, class of 1954. Once married, Jim and Kay were sent to Fort Sam Houston, Texas, for service where she became a devoted military wife, and mother to Brian. After the service, returning to Warsaw to reside the remainder of her life. Here she also had her second son, Kevin. Success in business allowed investing in Fort Myers Beach property. Kevin and his family followed them there to Fort Myers where he still resides.
Kay was the proud loving grandmother to Bryce, Mallory, Candace and Kameron Smith. She will also be lovingly remembered by her two sons, Brian D. Smith, Warsaw; Kevin L. Smith, Fort Myers, Fla.; sister, Karen Boggs, Warsaw; and two sisters-in-law, Marilyn Anglin, Warsaw; and Cathy Wertenberger, Claypool.
Kay was a pillar in the community, for the locally owned business, co-founding Smith Appliance. This was Kay and Jim’s proudest accomplishment. Founded in 1961-3, they have serviced the community for generations, forming cherished friendships through the business. Her employees looked up to her as more than a boss, but as family.
Kay was an independent, strong-willed, outspoken woman. She was a member of Tri-Kappa and recognized by Nationwide Appliance Force. Kay was known to give her opinion whether you liked it or not. She was honest and caring. She would go above and beyond for those she loved to ensure their success as much as possible. She was a dear friend to many and a second mother to those close to her.
Kay spent her down time with friends and family, playing cards, entertaining and time on the lake. Kay cherished all the fond memories associated with all of her travels. From starting with a trip to the Bahamas; expanding travels throughout Europe, the South Pacific lastly to Alaska and Las Vegas. She was a sports fan and Warsaw Tiger enthusiast. She loved to go skiing with friends and family in the mountains of Michigan and Colorado. She enjoyed fond memories of the Woodruffs and going out west to see her friends, Walt and Nan Weimuiller. Kay prided herself on taking family trips to expose the boys to new adventures from Notre Dame games to vacationing all over the U.S. and later enjoying similar experiences with her grandchildren in Florida.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, March 28 at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw. Kay’s life will be celebrated with a funeral service at 2 p.m., on Saturday, March 29 at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home and officiated by Pastor Jeff Pfeifer. She will be laid to rest at a later date at Oakwood Cemetery of Warsaw.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are requested to the Baker Youth Club, 1401 E. Smith St., Warsaw, IN 46580; or to The Beaman Home, P.O. Box 654, Winona Lake, IN 46590.
Online condolences may be sent through the funeral home’s website at www.redpathfruthfuneralhome.com.