Mary Katherine Smith

SMITH, MARY KATHERINE, age 78 of Dayton, passed away Saturday, January 12, 2013. She was preceded in death by her parents: Cory and Anna Lemmon and a daughter, Diane Louise "Annie" Smith. Mary is survived by her husband of 59 years, Jerry A. Smith; children: Kathy (J.David) Ruffner, Carol Flowers, Christine (Mark) Grote and Jerry L. Smith; grandchildren: James David Ruffner, Elijah and Kathryn Flowers, Michael (Gretchen), Matthew, Anna and Mark Joseph Grote and Lexie and Brodie Smith and 2 great-grandchildren: Lucas and Violet Grote. Mary was a remarkable, one-of-a-kind wife, mother and caregiver, caring for her severely disabled daughter Annie for 51 years. For the last 3 ½ years she chose to care for her husband Jerry who suffers from Alzheimer's. Her family is grateful that for the last six weeks they, along with help from Hospice of Dayton and the Suites of Walnut Creek, were able to give her the loving care she not only deserved, but earned each and every day of her life. She had a joyful spirit and a compassionate soul. We will miss her dearly. Visitation will be held 4:00-7:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 16th at Westbrock Funeral Home, 1712 Wayne Ave., Dayton. Mass of Christian Burial 10:00 a.m., Thursday, January 17th at Holy Angels Catholic Church, corner of Brown & L Street. Graveside Service will be 10:00 a.m., Friday, January 18th at Forest Hills Cemetery, Piqua, OH. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to, Hospice of Dayton.