Katherine E. Smith

Katherine E. Smith, 81, of Loves Park passed away June 11, 2022 surrounded by her loving family. She was born on April 20, 1941 in Ravenden Springs, AR., the daughter of James and Bessie (Halbrook) McMullin. Katherine married the love of her life Rayon Smith on October 3, 1959. Katherine retired from Camcar in Rockford. She loved her books and reading, puzzles, her computer, flowers and Cardinals. She loved cooking and baking and she loved caring for her grandchildren.

Katherine survivors include daughter’s Ida (Ron) Derry, Sheila Rauch, Jane Bolin and Linda (Brian) Asbell; several grandchildren: Ron (Annette) Derry, Mike (Amy) Derry, Nick (Anne) Derry, Rhonda (Larry) Dunkerly, Tanya Newman, Eric Bolin, Ethan Bolin, Erin (Kyle) Stevens, Philip (Lacey) Asbell, Andrew Asbell and Cody Smith; she will also be greatly missed by her great-grandchildren: Ron Derry III, Olivia Derry, Emma Derry, Aiden Derry, Chloe Derry and Liam Derry, Hunter Derry, Haylin Derry, Colton Derry, Freyja Derry and Archer Derry, Makayla O’Brien, Tyson O’Brien, Dylan O’Brien, Gracey O’Brien, Tyler Newman, Katie Williams, Kylie Williams, Mara Stevens and Dean Stevens; two great-great granddaughters: Adalynn and Amara O’Brien; one brother Bobbie Joe McMullin and many nieces and nephews. Katherine was predeceased by her parents James and Bessie McMullin, loving husband Rayon Smith, daughter Tammy Rae Smith, brothers Pete, Bill, James and Thomas McMullin, sisters Francis Lee Wilkerson and Nellie Foster.

Graveside services to celebrate Katherine’s life will be 2:30 PM on Thursday June 16, 2022 at Sunset Memorial Gardens 8800 N. Alpine Road in Machesney Park. Advantage Funeral and Cremation is assisting the family with arrangements.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.sunsetfhmemgardens.com for the Smith family.