Kathleen Anne Schmeltekopf

With deep love and heavy hearts, the family of Kathleen Schmeltekopf announces her peaceful passing. Kate was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend whose presence will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Kate was married to the love of her life, Chuck Schmeltekopf, for 50 glorious years. Kate is the cherished mother of Patrick Donovan McKinney, who gave her a most cherished daughter in-law, Sally McKinney. Timothy Sean McKinney, who gave her a cherished daughter in-law Michelle McKinney, and foster children Susan O’Brien and James Barrett, who were the center of her world. She took immense pride in her family and found her greatest joy in watching them grow, learn, and build families of their own.

She was a loving grandmother to Chad, Carrie and Micah each of whom held a special place in her heart. In recent years, Kate was blessed to welcome great-grandchildren William and Cora, whose laughter and bright spirits brought her tremendous joy. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren will forever remember her gentle presence, her stories, and the warmth she brought into every moment spent together.

One of the greatest testaments to Kate’s compassion and generosity was the life she shared with her beloved husband, Chuck. Together, they opened their home and hearts to children in need, fostering more than 22 children over the years. Their home was a place of safety, love, and stability - a reflection of the deep kindness that defined Kate’s character.

Throughout her life, Kate cultivated a passion that became one of her most cherished joys: collecting dolls. Her remarkable and lovingly curated collection reflected her eye for beauty, her appreciation for craftsmanship, and her sense of nostalgia. Each piece told a story, much like the life she lived with such grace and tenderness.

Kate’s faith was the foundation of her life. She loved the Lord deeply and lived her faith with sincerity and joy. One of her greatest pleasures was hosting weekly Bible study groups in her home, where friends and neighbors gathered to pray, learn, and share fellowship. Her home was filled with warmth, encouragement, and the quiet strength of her devotion. Kate will be remembered for her loving heart, her gentle wisdom, and the quiet but enduring impact she left on the lives of those who loved her. Her legacy lives on in her family, in the many children she helped nurture, and in the countless lives she touched.

Her family invites all who knew and cared for Kate to join them in celebrating her life and honoring the remarkable woman she was.