Katherine E. “as in Elvis” Smith, 73, passed away peacefully in Lincoln on August 4, 2016. Kathy, as she was known to family and friends, was born in Scott City, KS, to Nima (Koch) and Alexander Ochs, who settled in La Crosse, KS. Formerly of Southern Hills Presbyterian Church, Kathy served in the NE Professional Engineers Auxiliary. She was a fiercely independent woman, Kathy’s career for over 30 years in retail sales included owning her own unique fashion boutique. Loquacious and personable, Kathy made customers feel like lifelong friends. Her greatest passion-beyond her family- was her 60- year love affair with Elvis Presley.
Kathy is survived by her loving husband of 54 yrs., P. Craig Smith; children, Lori S. (Renee) Rocheleau of Maryland, Craig A. (Jennifer) Smith of Pennsylvania; sisters, Phyllis (Whitley) Davison of Colorado, Marian Sigurdson of Kansas; and a devoted grandmother of 5. Preceded in death by her parents. Her family wishes to express sincere appreciation to the caring, dedicated professionals at St. Elizabeth Hospital, Gateway Vista, and Hospice Community Care.
One of Elvis’ favorite gospel songs is fitting memorial to Kathy’s passing and her faith in salvation:
O Lord, my God, when I in awesome wonder
Consider all the worlds Thy Hands have made
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder
Thy power throughout the universe displayed
When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation
And lead me home, what joy shall fill my heart
Then I shall bow with humble adoration
And then proclaim, my God, how great Thou art
Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art
Memorial Services will be 1 p.m., Monday (8-8-16) at Roper and Sons Funeral Home, 4300 ‘O’ St.
Memorials can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. No visitation/Cremation.