Kay Smith

Kathrina “Kay” Smith was born on September 1, 1926 in Seminole, OK, the daughter of Albert Wilson and Jessie Jewel (Vulgamore) Minick. She graduated from Seminole High School. Kay was united in marriage to Morris Highbarger on January 12, 1945. Together they were blessed with three children, Ronald, Robert and Peggy. On April 22, 1971 Kay was united in marriage to Jack Smith.

Kay passed away on May 9, 2023. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Billy Jack Smith; one brother, Leo Minick, two sisters, Birdie McAnelly and Jean Ware; and her son, Robert of Towanda, KS.

Kay worked as a bookkeeper at several places in her career including the Coca Cola Company and DrPepper in Texas and flower shops in Corpus Christi and Austin, TX where she retired in 1991 and moved to Canyon Lake TX. Kay was an active member of her church in Canyon Lake, TX and of the Towanda Community Church. Her church families were very important to her. She was also a member of the Towanda Senior Center and had many friends there. She had been a resident at LakePoint in Augusta, KS for 4 years.

Her greatest joy in life was her family. She is survived by her son Ronald (Judy) Highbarger of Old Town, ME and their children, Morey (Jen) Highbarger and Carrie (Matt) Smart; her daughter Peggy (Roy) Bratton of Rowlett, TX and their children Austin (Brandy) Bratton and Taylor (Andy Montero) Bratton; and her daughter-in-law Linda Highbarger of Towanda, KS and her children, Brenda (Frank) Knipfer and Amy (Chris Ragland) Highbarger, DVM. She is also survived by 10 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

A celebration of Kay’s life will be held on Tuesday, May 23, 2023 at 10 a.m. at the Towanda Community Church. Pastor Wayne Handle will conduct the service. Kay will be laid to rest at the Towanda Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in her name may be directed to the Towanda Community Church of Towanda, KS or Interim Hospice of ElDorado, KS.

Please sign her online guestbook at www.carlsonkirbymorris.com

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