Kathryn Smith

Kathryn M. Smith, age 83, of Little Rock, Arkansas, was born on November 15, 1933 in rural Missouri and died at her childhood home on February 27, 2017. She was preceded in death by her father, Clarence J. Smith, mother, Eula May Price Smith and two brothers, Clarence J. Smith Jr., and Charles J. Smith. She is survived by many cousins, but has remained close to Anita Gail Shanks (Bill) of Marion, Illinois, L. Dwayne Hackworth (Sandy), of Ellington, Missouri, and Lilian Price of Sartell, Minnesota. Mary and Bob Leckie and Deborah Beard provided caring services during Kathryn's last few years. The Flock of Ages Sunday school class of Pulaski Heights Baptist Church provided many meals and ran various errands for her. She graduated from Little Rock High School (now Central High) in 1951, received a Bachelor's Degree in English and graduated Magna Cum Laude from Ouachita Baptist University in 1955. Kathryn was an independent career woman spending most of her working years at the Arkansas State Library, where she retired in 2009 after 32 years as Deputy Director for Administration. State Librarian Carolyn Ashcraft said that "Kathryn was a vital part of the executive team at the State Library." For over 70 years, she was an active member of Pulaski Heights Baptist Church where she enjoyed her Sunday school Class, played bells in the Hosanna Ringers hand bell ensemble, and was a charter member of the church-sponsored Hillcrest Camera Club. She was also active in the American Association of University Women and was a past president of the Little Rock Branch. She volunteered at the Sequoah National Research Center at UALR and the Reynolds Center at UAMS where she taught computer skills to senior citizens. A celebration of Kathryn's life will be held on Saturday, March 4, 2 p.m., at Pulaski Heights Baptist Church, with visitation beginning one hour prior to the service. She will be buried near her beloved mother, grandparents and other relatives in the Masonic Cemetery in Piedmont, Missouri. Arrangements are by Ruebel Funeral Home. www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.