Obituary
Kay Frances Smith
Kay Frances Smith (82), of La Crosse, WI transitioned to eternal life in the presence of her Savior Jesus Christ on Friday, April 4, 2025, at Eagle Crest South High Acuity Assisted Living in La Crosse.
Kay was born in her maternal grandmother Pearl (Hatfield) Potter’s home in LaFarge, WI on March 12, 1943, to Juliette (Potter) Durden and Edward Durden; at the time of her birth, Kay’s Dad was serving in the U.S. military during World War II. Kay married Donald Paul Smith on November 11, 1961, at Bethany Evangelical Free Church in La Crosse and remained married until Don’s death parted them on April 5, 2022.
Kay was a full-time homemaker, wife, mom, and frequent volunteer at church and at her kids’ northside public schools. To help finance the rising costs of kids turned teenagers, she worked part-time on the lunch shift at Hardees for a few years and was well-loved by her co-workers. When her children left home, she continued to volunteer at nursing homes where her mother, Juliette, and mother-in-law, Nell, lived in their final years. Kay’s fierce love for her family was a force to be reckoned with, and she shared that love as “Aunt Kay” and “Ma Smith” to many other kids, too. Kay was a proud La Crosse northsider, Logan High School graduate, and a lifetime member of the Logan Booster Club. She was a devoted fan of Elvis Presley, whose album of hymns helped sing her Home.
Bethany Evangelical Free Church’s former northside location at the corner of North Street and Onalaska Avenue in La Crosse was one block from Kay’s childhood home on Prospect Street. Her Grandma Potter walked her and her brothers, David, and the late Dale Durden, to Sunday School there. At church, in the young people’s group, and at Bible camp in Chetek, she cultivated a lifelong love for Jesus and for beautiful old hymns that she passed along to her children and their children. She often recounted how a skeptic questioned her belief in Heaven as they stood beside a loved one’s casket. Her confident reply was “Believe in Heaven? Of course I do!” In recent years, mounting health concerns made her ready to leave this world, be reunited with her husband, and have her faith be made sight.
Four adult children survive Kay: Dean Smith, Deb (Curtis) Gustafson, Edward (Ann) Smith, and Julie (Steven) Duffrin. Her survivors also include her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Kayla (Benjamin) Wiest, Bethany (Andrew) Bowman, James and Joseph Duffrin, and Madison and Peyton Wiest. She is also survived by many members of her husband Don’s family including his sister Marilyn Osweiler and his brother David Smith, as well as dozens of nieces and nephews. Kay’s brother, David Durden of Kenosha, WI is the sole surviving member of her family of origin. Many cousins also survive Kay, including those she considered the sisters she never had: Bonnie Risen, Connie (Risen) Friday, and Patricia Potter.
Kay was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Paul Smith, father Edward Durden, mother, Juliette (Potter) Durden, and brother Dale Durden. She was also predeceased by members of her husband Don’s family including her mother- and father-in-law, Pernell and Irv Holliday; Don’s infant siblings Hazel Pernell Smith and John Edward Smith; brothers-in-law Robert (Bud) Smith and Richard (Dick) Smith and Dick’s wife Marilyn; sister-in-law Beverly (Smith) McCoy and Bev’s husband Robert (Bob) McCoy; brother-in-law Raymond Osweiler, and sister-in-law Bonnie Smith.
Kay’s family extends our deep gratitude to the staff of Eagle Crest South High Acuity Assisted Living in La Crosse. Your deep affection for our mom was evident, and your sweet stories of her touched our hearts as we said goodbye for now.
At Kay’s request, her memorial service will include hymns she loved, including one (of course!) by Elvis Presley. Please join us at The Gathering Place, 133 Mason Street, Onalaska, WI on Friday, April 11, 2025. Visitation begins at 9:00 a.m. with service at 10:00 a.m. and luncheon at 11:00 a.m.
A private burial will take place later at Bear Creek Cemetery, LaFarge, Wisconsin.
My Sweet Sister Cousin: I’m not sure I can tread this earth without you. You have been a constant in my life. You walked with me to kindergarten and stood next to me when my mom and your mom passed over the veil. You let me share your children. And helped my dad at the end of his life. I remember getting the giggles at a funeral and both of us being in trouble. May God Restore unto you the JOY of his Salvation and Renew you with His Free Spirit. You’ll always be with me
Patti you were indeed like a sister to her. Soon and very soon we will be reunited with her in Heaven. I’m so grateful she introduced me to Jesus.
I was always appreciative her letting me know that she was thankful to me for watching JimBob and MoJoe to make sure that they were on time for the bus in the morning.Wasn’t too many times my doorbell rang w lil ones with tears in their eyes. Just nother run in my pj’s.
Blessed to have spent the time with you and your family. In peace…
Suzie, Thank you for your kind words. We are all appreciative for your careful watch of my boys. My mom was always reassured her grandsons were safe.
Thanks for loving our family well, Suz! You are a gift.
Aunt Kay was always smiling and very friendly to me throughout my life. She was always helping someone. Rest in Peace Aunt Kay. Please say hi to everyone up there.
She always, always called you Patty Jo! Never just Patty. Thanks for being with us in spirit.
Kay was always a pleasure doing her hair all these years,she will be missed.I knew she had trouble getting a round but didn’t realize the last time she came in would be the last time i would see her.She, truley was an angel and I was so blessed to have gotten to know her.God Bless Kay.
Thanks for helping her feel beautiful Susan! Mom did love a good hair day 🙂
You will be missed Aunt Kay, tell Uncle Don and Grandpa Bud hello!
Thank you Brandy! That generation seems determined to move the family party to the next room! I’m excited for them that heaven means no more tears or heartache.
So happy Kay was in my class and also that we met way back when our kids were at Jefferson school. The kids were part of the first CITY 4H garden Club on the North Side. I remember the scarecrow contest. I believe Eddie won! so many years ago and so many past memories.
Our last two visits a few weeks ago at Gundersen Clinic were so much fun reminiscing. I will always remember her. Marilou
Oh boy! Susie Ramsett was a big deal back in the day! Thanks for those fun memories 🎃