Rosa “Kathy” Kathleen Smith

Rosa “Kathy” Kathleen Smith, age 72, of Yoder, Indiana, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Kathy was born on February 11, 1954, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to the late Charles William and Rosa Ann (Eastes) Crawford. She graduated from Homestead High School in Fort Wayne in 1972 and went on to pursue her passion for caring for others through a lifelong career in nursing. Kathy attended Lutheran Hospital School of Nursing, where she obtained her nursing credentials and began her career as a Licensed Practical Nurse. She later continued her education at the University of Saint Francis in Fort Wayne, where she earned her bachelor’s degree and became a Registered Nurse.

On January 5, 1994, Kathy married the love of her life, Daniel Craig Smith, in Huntington, Indiana. Together, they shared 32 years of marriage filled with love, devotion, and many cherished memories.

Kathy dedicated more than 35 years of her life to caring for others as a nurse. Much of her career was spent in home health nursing, where her compassion and dedication touched the lives of countless patients and their families. She was also a member of the heart transplant team at Lutheran Hospital. Beyond her professional career, Kathy was a devoted caregiver to her father, brother, and mother-in-law, always willing to give her time, love, and support to those in need.

Her dedication to helping others extended into her community, where she served as a volunteer firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician with the Aboite Township Volunteer Fire Department. She also spent a brief period assisting aboard the Samaritan.

Kathy was an avid craft enthusiast and possessed a remarkable talent for sewing, knitting, and various forms of yarn work. Her creativity and love were evident in the many things she made, including the wedding gown she lovingly created for her daughter. She also had a tremendous love for animals and was especially passionate about rescuing older dogs who had endured difficult circumstances, providing them with the love, care, and compassion they deserved.

Above all, Kathy was a devoted and family-oriented woman who treasured the time she spent with those she loved. She especially cherished her grandchildren and every moment she was able to spend with them. Kathy’s kind heart, compassionate spirit, generous nature, and unwavering love for her family will be fondly remembered by all who knew her. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her family, friends, and all whose lives she touched.

Survivors include her husband, Daniel Smith; daughter, Emily (Steven) Butts; son, Zachary Prindle; grandchildren, Jacob Prindle-Aurich, Jacelin Prindle, Ella Prindle, and Hadleigh Prindle; brothers, David (Peggy) Crawford and Jeff (Pamm) Crawford; sister-in-law, Sheila Crawford; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other extended family members.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles William and Rosa Ann (Eastes) Crawford, and her brother, Charles D. “Carty” Crawford Sr.

A funeral service will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, September 18, 2026, at Hess Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 7633 Maplecrest Road, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46835, with visitation prior to the service from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.

In accordance with Kathy’s and her family’s wishes, cremation will take place following the services.

Memorial donations may be directed to Humane Fort Wayne.

Pastor Lee Zandstra of Trinity English Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana, will officiate the services.

To sign the online guestbook or share a memory of Kathy, please visit www.hessfuneralhome.com or find Hess Funeral Home and Cremation Services on Facebook.

Arrangements and care have been entrusted to Hess Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Fort Wayne, Indiana.