Kathleen Rose Smith
February 17, 1954 – November 4, 2025

Kathleen "Kathy" Rose Smith, 71, of Overland, Missouri, passed away peacefully with her caring husband by her side on November 4, 2025 after a courageous battle with dementia.

Born on February 17, 1954, in St. Louis, Kathy was the daughter of the late Kenneth Sr. and Mary Jane Slover. She was preceded in death by her brothers Mike and Kenneth Jr., and is survived by her siblings Steve, Larry, Mark, and Linda.

Kathy met the love of her life, Charlie Smith, while they were both in the police academy—she as a new recruit and he as a firearms instructor. They married on March 17, 1976, and shared nearly five decades of love, laughter, and partnership.

Together they raised their son Charlie, who, along with his children Myla and Kellen, were the pride and joy of Kathy's life.

After her years of dedicated service as a police officer, Kathy continued to make her mark in the community as a bookstore and gift shop manager, spending many years working under the shadow of the Gateway Arch, a symbol of the city she loved.

Kathy's heart was as warm and comforting as her famous homemade gooey butter cake. She had a deep affection for cats, a sharp eye for treasures in thrift stores, and a fondness for trips to Kimmswick. She adored her collection of Hallmark ornaments and Disney trinkets, the gentle sound of wind chimes, and the simple pleasure of an ice-cold Coke.

Her laugh—especially when she was cracking herself up—was contagious, and she never missed a good poker game when there was a little money on the line.

Kathy will be remembered for her humor, her sweetness, her strength, and her ability to find joy in life's small moments. She leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and kindness that will live on in her family and friends.

A celebration of Kathy's life will be held at a Collier's Funeral Home on Friday, November 14, 2025 from 3-6pm with a brief reflection and prayer led by the Pastor to follow. For those wishing to honor her memory, the family welcomes flowers—all in shades of PURPLE, Kathy's favorite color. Let them be as bright, beautiful, and full of life as she was.