Kathleen Lola Smith

Kathleen Lola Smith, an 11-year resident of Colville died on June 17 in Colville at the age of 65. Kathy was born on Nov. 27, 1951, in Ritzville, the youngest of four children to Robert Eldon and Hazel Margaret (Oestreich) Smith.

She embraced her farm girl upbringing on the family wheat ranch near Ritzville. Kathy attended school in Ritzville and was active in the drama club and played trumpet in the band. She graduated as a 12-year senior with the Ritzville “Broncos” Class of 1970.

Kathy was a young lady ahead of her times, she dreamed of attending Washington State University and earning a degree in criminology.

In 1968, as a sophomore in high school, she was severely injured in and auto accident on her way home from drama practice. After three months in a coma, she slowly learned to speak, walk and regain her independence.

The Ritzville community rallied to support Kathy and she was able to graduate with her class. Although she would remain in the care of family the rest of her life, Kathy fought fiercely to assist where she could and be her own person.

She resided at the family home in Ritzville where she enjoyed time in the yard, hand pulling weeds and going for neighborhood walks.

In 2006, Kathy moved to Colville and took residence at Parkview Assisted Living. She received excellent care and shared in the many community living activities as well as family events and gatherings.

Kathy was a connoisseur of good food and fun times. She rarely missed a family birthday gathering and was always ready to place her fork into the dessert offering.

Her carrot cake birthdays were her favorite. Kathy struggled with her motor skills and short term memory but maintained her wit, wonderful sense of humor and could deliver a pun with expert accuracy.

She saw life without limitations and pushed forth daily with her strong will and determination taking only the necessary breaks to watch and support her Gonzaga, Mariners and Seahawks.

Kathy was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Delgene Smith.

She is survived by her two sisters, Dianne Danekas and her husband, Bill of Colville, Patricia Wilkinson and her husband, Dale of Warrenton, Oregon; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of extended family.

The funeral service for Ms. Kathleen Lola Smith, will begin at 11 a.m., Thursday, June 22, at the Danekas Chapel in Colville. The graveside service and vault interment will follow at 2:30 p.m. at the Greenwood Memorial Terrace Cemetery in Spokane. Pastor Shane Moffitt will officiate.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance or charity of your choice.

Please visit the online memorial and sign the guestbook at http://www.danekasfuneralchapel.com.

Danekas Funeral Chapel and Crematory, 155 W. First Ave., Colville, WA 99114 is entrusted with the arrangements.