Kathryn Smith Obituary

After all these years I've finally completed my Mother's Tribute in her name with the monetary settlement received by the Colorado Springs Court System. To protect her legacy. Utilizing the distributed court settlement I created a Trust Fund to help WOMEN Only a fund for a Hand up! Not a Hand Out...
With that said and LOT of Women have benefitted from the Trust Fund which is finally spent.. As Melanie has told for the the last Ten Years
"Let it Go" ....SOS ~ slower , Older , Smarter. A Simple Man running on Empty now. justMark

Valerie J. Bond ~Born Aug. 16, 1922.~Died Sept. 22, 2013.
So it ends for those who were friends til it was time for each to go home....

Casey I have had a rough month with surgery and rehab. I've had a wonderful life and am looking forward to joining my friend who I've missed tremendously these past 18 months. Looking forward to our next adventure together. Your eternal friend, Valerie Bond

Miss Sis and our phone conversations.We always talked about the grandchildren,mine and hers.Lets never forget all the good memories.
Maggie Gibson

Fix You

It seems funny how we as humans progress through such a large swath of our lives under the innocent blanket of adolescence. For the first eighth of our lifespan, we remain largely oblivious to the turmoil that surrounds us. I remember the illness my grandma had when I was little far more distinctly now than I did then. Growing up she was superman, only stronger. My Grandma appeared to have a knack for defying the laws of mortality and physiology, as she continued to engage in the habitual and destructive act of smoking. It was only when the shroud of innocence had left my eyes, did I truly see how self destructive it was.

As I had just begun my 2nd grade year, I watched my Grandma almost die of lung cancer, as the doctors removed part of her lung in order to save her. Even the adults would say things like “she's too ornery to die”, and it made sense. But I remember my dad explaining to me how close she had come to peril, but somehow I thought nothing of it. She was Grandma, like superman, only stronger.

Still her frailty was not hidden from me. In fact, no one but her sons could even remember a time when she didn't inch painstaking forward with a cane, or need help starting a fire in the worn brick fireplace. Despite all that, her grandmotherly feats were a sight to behold. The Thanksgiving feasts she held and cooked at her modest and slightly ramshackle house boasted to be fit for kings. Not a birthday went by where I did not have something she baked for me ( a tradition she kept with all her grand kids.) Through the beginning of all our lives she watched, entertained, disciplined, taught, and loved us all with admirable persistence.

Finally, in my year of seventh grade, I began to see things for how they really
were. My grandma became hospitalized with blood clots in her leg; thus came my first true glimpse of the horror of medicine, and the havoc she wreaked on her body by smoking. I watched as doctors had to amputate her leg in order to save her life, and this time understood the gravity of the situation. My dad told me once that he had only ever seen Grandma cry twice, and one of those two times struck when she woke up and discovered that her leg was gone. Yet still she continued to smoke for the next three years. It baffled me that someone whose wisdom I valued beyond all else seemed so set on self-destruction. I sometimes wish to this day that I had been more assertive about it, but I'm told that there wasn't anything I could do. Grandma, impervious to all and ornery as they come, my superman, indulged in kryptonite.

Throughout the next three years I saw things really begin to change. All the annual traditions became scarcer and scarcer, until eventually they disappeared altogether. Even with a new prosthetic leg, Grandma moved with a leaden pace and a frustrated air. In my eyes, she appeared the same as she had always been, but the cracks in her health began to show in ways they never had before. It was not until the doctors hospitalized her again in December of my sophmore year, that the illusion of imperviousness was shattered. Grandma had been in a treatment and care facility off and on for a few years by that point so I deemed it anything but alarming when I was told a week or so prior that she had gone back. However, the jolt of reality came swiftly and nonchalantly through the mouth of my father. She experienced a cardiac arrest that morning and the doctors had forced her into a medically induced coma. It seemed almost as though my father didn't care, but I know now that he doesn't have the emotional facility to handle the loss of his mom. The truth tore him up inside, so he hid behind an attitude of indifference.

Her final moments came just days later, just as unexpectedly as her coma. My cousin and I were pulled out of class, and I rode to the hospital with a passionate, prevailing, pit in my stomach. In just hours, the doctors would pull the plug on the machine kept her alive, but first each family member would be allowed time with her alone. When mine came, I walked, dazed, down the hall towards her isolated room. The sight I beheld inside was one I pray never to see again. Pale, cold, and connected to all manor of machines, my hero lay. She barely looked human, and tears spilled from my eyes just to see her in such a state. I talked to her for a little while, but couldn't ever find the right words. One can never find the right words when they need to. Mustering my courage and vocal cords for a final tribute, I rose from her bedside and silenced the radio. My voice rang out softly and clearly at first, then became distorted by sobs; still I sang on.

“Lights will guide you home, and Ignite your bones. And I will try, to fix you.”

When the song ended, and the echo of the melody faded from the tiny room, I hurried out and broke down into the arms of my cousin. He was the strong one. At 2:53 that day I learned the value of mortality. At 2:53 I learned the pain of lost love. At 2:53 I learned that not even superman lasts forever.

Arthur Keegan McEvoy, Grandson

Happy Birthday MOM! As was your final wish, your ashes have been distributed from Summit to Base. May you enjoy your view for eternity.

GM Mother, wanted to send along a Happy Mothers Day Wish as I have been a little pre-occupied these past few weeks, As I am sure you are aware! Got your flowers purchased, hopefully, I will able to plant before to long! Are you watching the events unfold, these past few months? Life is like a Box of Chocolates, and you never know what will crawl out of the woodwork,eh?

These Flowers were provided for the Memorial of Kathryn E. Smith: On behalf of the Family of Tam Coke/Trenton Smith and Tams father Ralph Sheets; Thank you

Sis always loved to grow things: whether it was Tomatoes or Aloe Vera plants to her pride & joy the Christmas cactus when it was in bloom. She also enjoyed getting Roses and Day Lilies..Enjoy

Sometimes we forget Mom did not always wear jeans, a Coors softball jacket , and baseball cap. At one time she actually did wear dresses. Photo provided by Sharon S. for us to remember, Once upon a Time!

I got to know Casey Smith over twenty years ago when I first started dating her oldest son, Mark. I noticed right away that her family was the most important thing to her, and she defined her family in the most inclusive way possible. Everybody who had now or ever had a connection to her loved ones was welcomed at her table. She always seemed happiest surrounded by her brood, the more, the merrier. Over the years, if any family member needed support to find their bearings or get through a rough patch, Casey offered her home and heart. Casey loved to see things growing- flowers on her porch, her tomatoes, and most of all, kids. I think of her legacy as this simple wish for all who love her: Stay strong, and take good care of each other.

Casey will be missed by all she has touched in her life. The short time I knew her she was a loving and jenerous lady. She cared for my oldest children as she did her grand children. I will always remember her with love and respect.
Mary Farnham

On Tuesday, December 6th, Mark quietly told me, “We lost Mom on Friday”. Words are such a small comfort at a time of great and visible grief. I told him that I recognized and felt his loss. Mark said that being at the ReSTORE and managing the cash register was where he needed to be that day. Mark is one of my heroes.
We want to thank Mark and his family for the very wonderful gift of his Mom's “Easy Mobility, GO-GO Elite” electric cart. This donation will be for the use of our customers with disabilities. It will never be sold. We will create a plaque identifying the donor as Kathryn E. Smith, beloved Mother of Mark Smith and Family.

Thank you again for this most generous gift and the positive impact it will have on the ReSTORE.

On behalf of the Pikes Peak Habitat for Humanity ReSTORE
John Veteto and Staff

I have been blessed to have known Casey for many years and she was always smiling, laughing. She was a beautiful women. I'm happy to be a small part of her life and will cherish those times. My thoguhts & prayers go out to her family. She will be missed.

I met Casey(Sis to her family) 55 yrs ago, while dating her brother Bill in Miami,Fl.
She had come to visit her parents and brothers with her crew of 4 boys,a Boxer named Duchess and I think she also had a few puppies while there.....

We bonded instantly, as she was very friendly and outgoing. I remember picking strawberries and other fun things.
As my sister in law we were always in-touch by phone since we lived far away being married to Military Men.She always kept in touch with her brothers, family was always very important to her. We got to see each as much as we could at different occasions.

One of my most memorable occasion for my family was when we went to visit them in Canada for Christmas one year.My kids had never seen snow,and she was so excited we were coming.Sis was more than ready for us,from coats,hats,gloves,boots etc.She also had planned our little vacation with all sorts of things to do,from skiing,ice skating,& sledding. Both Bill and Kathy have wonderful memories of that trip. Including Bill and I being hostessed to a extraordinary New Years Eve at the Officers Club by Sis and Tom,the boys baby sat my 8 and 10 year olds.Another time we went in the summer and as the Trooper she was again,she had planned a wonderful time for us.She made sure her brother,niece,nephew and sister in law had a good time.

I also remember one trip in when her kids were grown and she decided to bring the family for Christmas (paid entirely by her) Some flew,some drove,some stayed with us,some at a motel,it was quite an experience.
She never let me forget she wasn't very happy when I decided to have Christmas Day Dinner at a Restaurant...Between her family and ours(I also had sister,and nieces and nephews,it was too many to do it at the house (35 of us) she finally gave in to the idea....

Her brothers always were amazed how she managed to travel to Hawaii,Cruises,Fla trips to visit us on $425.00 a month.

She had a share of trials and tribulations through the years and not once did we ever hear her complain. Always positive! When she had the leg amputed Bill and I came to spend some time with her, I will always remember her determination to learn to walk with the artificial leg,the hours,days of Physical Therapy,we were so proud of her. Shortly after her surgery,her brother died and she made sure to be here for me and my family.I will always remember a very special friend and sister-inlaw. I Will miss her!

I remember the 5 am hockey practice, breakfast and steak dinners before the games. Mom was a mean tuff little bird all the way to the end. An inspiration to all who had the chance to know her. She never let me get by with a thing and all things were a lesson in life with her.She made all of us boys gentlemen and men , to walk hard and stand tall. We will Love and miss you forever Mom.
Love Mike & Sharon

Picture of Grandma with Trenton and Arthur after a Tiger Cub Field Trip. Taken in 2002.

Friends and Family always wondered why our MoM was referred to as Casey instead of Kathryn. Recently I found a picture showing Mom with her High School Softball Team during 1949 or 1950. As you can see she is listed as Casey Gibson in the Team Photo.

As I walked numbly through her house on the night of her passing, I was struck by just how many childhood memories left behind. I couldn't stare at a piece of furniture or a glass without having some sort of strong happy memory associated with it. A table that I remember chasing Trenton around, a front porch where we would drink cream soda and listen to grandma's stories, the kitchen table that probably got more use playing crazy eights that eating. I guess what I'm trying to say is that my Grandmother left a trail of kindness and love that time can never erase. I realize now, as I did when I sung to her on her deathbed, that there are no good last words. So I say now as I did then, I will always love her and the incredible impact she's had on all our lives will never be forgotten

I will miss going to Casey's in my PJs to work on Puzzles.
She was on a prayer chain from Washington State to Washington D.C. Christians praying she would accept Jesus as her savior and spend eternity with him and us. Love you " K.C. "

May you find some comfort knowing others share in your sorrow.
When I think of sis I remembered a devoted Mom to her 4 boys as they were growing, always involved in their lives with sports or anything else you were all involved in. A caring & loving grandmother to all her grandkids, a good friend to many and a good sister-in-law to me.
Even though we did not see each other that much, when we talked on the phone it was always as we did'nt live that far away- We laughed,and enjoy our friendships through 53 years. She also loved her brothers very much & was always concerned about them. I will miss her. Will close by sharing a few verses from Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 from Season's in our life. A time to Weep, and a time to laugh, a time to mourn & a time to dance. Always remember the good Memories!
My prayers are with you at this difficult time in your life.

I met Casey in the early 80's while dating Mark. Although Mark & I married & divorced, we produced a wonderful daughter, Shannon. Shannon was very close to her grandma Casey. You see early on in my relationship with Mark, Casey thought I was a spoiled brat and she was right, I was. As we all do, we grow & mature & she was a part of my growth as we became closer over the years & talked about everything...as she would say "that's life" with her distinct wonderful laugh. Casey was very involved with her grandchildren babysitting, housing & mentoring them. Each one of them carries her no nonsense ways with them. On Wednesday, Makai who is 2 (& her great grandson) & I made a visit to Casey at the Center at Centennial where she had arrived the evening before. She was a bit tired however we talked about what was going on, she had ice cream. Makai had to use the restroom & when we came out he let her know that he peed in the toilet like a big boy. She laughed, she said "way to go" and high five'd him. Thank you for all the moments that we shared! I love you Casey & you will be with me always!

Christmas Memories Gone but Not Forgotten:

Decorated GingerBread Cookies have always been a traditional offering of my Mom during the Christmas Holiday. I would always stop by during the early part of December asking her if my cookies were done. She would have them laid out on her kitchen table decorating each share for her sons or grandchildren's most favorite icon: Soldiers , Dolls , Sports Figures, trees , snowmen, llamas,etc, each sandwich bag containing 4-6 decorated cookies to carry us through the remainder of the holidays. At some point, they started to taste just a little different, perhaps she couldn't roll out the dough like she used too. They were a little harder to chew, sometimes she substituted Baking Powder for Soda or visa versa.
Rick and I were talking about this couple of weeks ago I remembered a long time ago she had started making them in August as it would take her a little longer to get things rolling in December. Of course they had to be
frozen to last till December. Rick opened the Freezer compartment and sure enough, in little sandwich
bags were about a dozen cookies made just in time for the holidays, still waiting for us to decorate them, as
that had now become our chore. Thanks for Remembering MOM. Mark, Arthur

I didn't really know Casey for 50 years. But it seemed like I always knew her. Our houses were identical and 2 blocks apart. She had 4 sons. I had 4 sons,plus 2 daughters. We just hit it off. Of course the Air Force spirited them away-Texas, Illinois, Cananda.
Later after her divorce, and my husband gone the kids grew up and the grandchildren bounced in like ping pong balls. We were in our late 50's-odd jobs, no money, but lots of energy. So we packed a bag, got a list of hostels and adventured out to Mexico , Las Vegas, Italy, Florida, The Caribbean, Australia, The USA, New York, Phoenix, Washington DC.Not always together, Casey hit Hawaii on her own and I was always heading North to Alaska and Canada.Back here in the Springs we both enjoyed our grandkids!
I'm so grateful to have had a friend like Casey. What an independent and peppy lady she was. A fun and faithful grandma she was and a great mother. You Lucky guys. She knew we all loved her and we did.
Valerie Bond

I worked with Mark and the gang for over thirty years. Over that time I met Casey several times and could tell right away she had a strong will and was very independent. You always knew where she stood on life. What a great example of maintaining strong family values in a world that has lost it's way.

I lived with my Aunt Casey for a while when I lived in Colorado and she was quite the incredible lady. She took no crap from anyone and lived life to the very fullest. She was always there when any of her four sons needed her and she especially loved the visits of her nieces after having four sons. She always had a smile...I don't think I ever saw her without one...even if you knew she was mad or upset, she always had that big smile and that great laugh. I am glad I was able to see her last year when we went out there. We'll miss you Aunt Casey, but we know you are out of pain and in a better place. ?

Being one of the oldest of her grandchildren, I have so many memories of my Grandma Casey. She made the best birthday cakes for me and my twin sister, Jauna. On our 12th birthday, we were so anxious to be considered teenagers, and Grandma told us that we were now "12teen", which made us feel quite special. She held our party at her house and danced right along with us. The thing I remember most is her support and attendance at all our activities, from concerts to marching bands and even my pageants. She had an amazing heart and always told us to "live and let live" because life was too short to spend it being angry. I love you, Grandma, even your hard and stubborn ways, and I will miss you always. I am truly grateful that Shaya got to know you.

Casey and I met at school when we were teenagers and married while I was still in college at Ohio University. Although we weren't able to "go the distance" together, we spent 25 years together as our family grew and we met the challenges of Air Force life. I was often an absentee father with my military assignments, and Casey was the rock and the glue that kept things running smoothly at home. All four boys were born within a 5-year timeframe, and Casey was just the right blend of love and no-nonsense discipline to guide them through their childhood and adolescence.

I will remember Casey as fun-loving, strong and determined, and the keeper of family values and memories. She will be greatly missed.

I was very close to my sister "Sis" during our childhood and school years.She was only 11 Months younger than I.However when she married in Jan. 1951 and Ienlisted in the U.S.M.C. we were never able to be as close again.She became the wife of an airforce officer and mother of four boys.As career military family they were stationed all over the U.S. and Canada.
When we were growing up things were very tough buring the depression and our parents illness.Sis would do chores and baby sit for spending money.As a teenager she was very athletic, popular and outgoing. She never smoked or drank as a lot of girls were doin then.
There are a lot of plesant memories I have of my younger sister but just not enough room to relate here.

Kayse was a fantastic person and my rock when I had Trenton as she and her dear friend Val helped raise him. She could get that kid to take 4 hr naps for her , eat every bite on his plate, and play with any hammer and nail she could find. She was very experienced with boys you see. She was very loyal to all of her boys. They could do no wrong. I know how important her family was to her, she loved when the grandkids called her. Her stubborn nature lives on, I only have to look at Trenton to see that! Thanks Kayse, I miss you ! Love Tam

Dear Family,Very sorry for the loss of your mother/grandmother.Casey was a great neighbor,Im going to miss seeing you watering your grass and hearing your laughter,I look over at your house expecting to see you,I know your looking down on all of us smiling and laughing.Rest in Peace Casey...Mark McCoy

I first met Casey when I was in grade school attending Bates Elementry in the Cragmor area. Mark and I were in the same grade together. We had a soft ball team and most of the time Casey was our coach. She was TOUGH! She made sure that each of us learned the fundementals of playing ball; from how to run & slide to "hitting the cut-off man" with our throws from the outfield. She took great pride in making sure we received the benefit of her knowledge and experience. Even more important than the mechanical aspects of the game; Casey taught us about courage, teamwork and sportsmanship on and off the field. Coincidently Connie and I named our daughter Casey...SMILE.

Kindest Thoughts,

Terry

I have known Casey for many years and she was always positive and very helpful to others, especially her Grandchildren.
She will be missed by many.

My Mom had endured a series of surgeries during the past 14 years. We called her the energizer bunny as she always seemed to bounce back from certain death. We've had an extraordinary " Gift of Time " for
these past 14 years I am certain she was aware her battery had finally run down, long before she was admitted to the rehab center. I will cherish my last few hours with her forever at the The Center and the last meal we had together in the Dining Room watching the Snow through the Dining room windows.
Up until the last few hours we spent talking, she was lucid and still instructing me on what bills had to be paid next.
I rest easy knowing she passed without too much pain in her final hours on earth. Her Son, Mark

Casey will be truly missed by myself (Annette&Mark) I will miss hearing that distintive laugh casy had. Many times we would talk over the fence as I lived right next door, one time inparticular I will always remember is when she asked me if I had seen anything strange in my yard. My answer was yes! It was a big bear that was trying to get in my trash,Casy said her neighbor told her he seen the bear I told casy I droped what I had in my hand and ran for the door, We both had a good laugh. I didn't know alot about casy's personal life, but do know she was a real fighter when she had her leg apmputated she did not let that keep her down, in no time she was visiting around the neighborhood as she always did and drving her nice little red car. What a woman. I will miss my next door neighbor.