Kaye Ann Smith

Kaye Ann Smith (nee Ferrero), 75, of Collinsville, passed away Wednesday, September 3, 2025. She was born July 16, 1950, in East Saint Louis, IL to Emil and Evelyn (Feig) Ferrero. She married the love of her life, Jerome “Jerry” Smith on June 5, 1971, at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Collinsville, IL. She was a proud alumnus of Collinsville High School, Class of 1968. She was a licensed beautician for many years, a trade she learned and shared with her mother, Evelyn. She was a fixture behind the deli and seafood counter at Schnuck’s, where her unforgettable smile led her to help countless customers who became good friends. Kaye enjoyed spending time with Jerry, traveling and visiting the casino where they found joy and excitement playing their favorite games. She was a loving wife and devoted mother to her children and grandchildren. Kaye was an amazing example of perseverance having contracted polio as a child and having numerous surgeries in an attempt to correct its effects on her left leg. She loved to sing and dance to her favorite music, which she often played loud enough for others to hear.

Surviving to cherish her memory are her son, Jason (Amy) Smith; daughter, Jennifer (Bruce) Lewis; grandchildren, Kassidy (Connor Donahue) Smith, Sarah (Brendan) Bittle and Jacob (Brittany Johnson) Lewis; great-grandchildren Brayden, Owen, Tate and Jax; mother Evelyn K. Ferrero, brother Dennis (Carol) Ferrero, brother-in-laws, Gary Hill, Bill (Debbie) Smith and Thom (Faith) Smith; sister-in-laws, Ginny Wentz, Trisha Haislar and Peggy (Chuck) Black and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other extended family. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry Smith; father, Emil “Ham” Ferrero; sister, Karen Jean Hill; brother-in-laws, Roger Wentz and Dennis “Ike” Haislar; sister-in-law, Joan K. Smith; mother-in-law, Virginia R. Smith and father-in-law, W. Allen Smith.

A funeral service for Kaye will be held on Monday, September 8, 2025, at 12:00pm in Lake View Funeral Home, 5000 N. Illinois St., Fairview Heights, IL 62208 with visitation from 10:00am until time of service with graveside service to follow. Memorial contributions can be made in Kaye’s honor to Shriners Children’s St. Louis, MO.