Mary Louise Smith

Mary Louise Smith passed away peacefully on December 2, 2025, at the age of 101, in her hometown of Louisville, Kentucky. Born on February 3, 1924, Mary's life was a testament to the enduring power of kindness and the deep bonds of family.

Mary's journey began as the youngest of eight siblings, all of whom predeceased her, instilling in her a profound appreciation for family ties. She was the cherished wife of the late Francis "Frank" E. Smith, with whom she shared over six decades of unwavering partnership and love. Together, they created a legacy of warmth and togetherness that will forever resonate with those they touched.

A proud graduate of Shawnee High School, Mary's true vocation was the nurturing of her beloved family. Her devotion to her children, Phyllis Frost and Phillip Smith (Kim), was the cornerstone of her life. Mary's joy was multiplied as she embraced the role of grandmother to Lara Rieger (David), Kristina Perry (Dustin), Kaitlyn Korfhage (Jesse), and Kyle Smith (Carli). The arrival of her great-grandchildren, Carter, Caroline, Louisa, Presley, Beckett, Julian, Peyton, and Ellie, added new layers of happiness to her life.

Mary's home was an epicenter of love and tradition. She was renowned for her Christmas cookies, a treasured highlight of the holiday season. Every Good Friday, her potato doughnuts were a much-anticipated delight, and her commitment to fixing family dinner every Sunday was a testament to her dedication to family unity. An avid cyclist, Mary rode her bike everywhere, her spirit of adventure as tireless as her pedaling.

Her life was a living example of the words loving, kind, and generous. Mary's open heart and hands were always ready to support and comfort those around her. Her presence was a warm embrace, her smile a source of unwavering encouragement.

Mary's love for her family was her crowning achievement, a legacy that will continue to flourish in the lives of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her influence will persist in the stories shared at family gatherings, in the recipes passed down through generations, and in the simple acts of kindness that she championed every day.

As we bid farewell to Mary Louise Smith, we celebrate a life beautifully lived and a heart that gave so freely. Her memory will be cherished and honored by all who were fortunate enough to know her. Mary's spirit will forever be woven into the fabric of the community she loved and the family she adored. Her life was a journey of joy, love, and selflessness, a journey that has left an indelible mark on the world.