The world’s biggest Beatles fan, Kathleen (Kathy) Virginia Smith, began her eternal journey “Across the Universe” when “She Got Her Ticket to Ride” in Mesa, Arizona on May 7th, 2022, surrounded by HER biggest fans, her family: husband, Garrett Smith, children, Rob Divine (Hattie), Laura Rodgers (Harry), Jessica Carruthers (Scott), Samantha Rogers (Chance), and Kyle Smith. She will also be missed by her siblings, Ronald Brown, Lorry Divine, and Kenny Brown, Red Bluff, CA. Kathy was our own personal “Lady Madonna” with five children at her feet, as well as 14 grandchildren, and 3 fur babies (dogs) who she loved dearly. They were her world, and she, theirs. Kathy could always “Take a sad song, and make it better” just with her smile and kindness.
Kathy was born on March 24, 1951 to Ronald and Bessie Brown in Albany, CA. She spent her childhood in the Northern California area. Later she moved to Germany where she met Garrett. He “Saw her Standing There” and knew she was someone special. They later married and spent 17 years in Germany where they raised their children, traveled the world, and made a lifetime of memories the family will all embrace for comfort. Later they “Followed the Sun” and moved to Mesa, Arizona followed by all her adult children; she was happiest when they would all “Come Together” and just “Love, love, love”!
Kathy worked for Mesa Public Schools for 14 years, and was an avid Arizona State Sun Devil’s fan. She even named her youngest fur baby “Sparky’. They attended many football, basketball, and softball games, something that brought them much joy.
A Celebration of Life for Kathy will be held in the near future for family and close friends. “With a little help from her friends” we can “Twist and Shout” and sing “Silly Little Love Songs” while reminiscing of her time here on earth, remembering that she truly believed “All You Need is Love”, because “In the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make.” Kathy is riding on a colossal wave of love.
In Lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Alzheimers Association in Kathy’s memory.
Arrangements by Bunker Mortuary (https://www.bunkerfuneral.com/
To all Smith-Bunker family. I only met your love one once or twice but she was warm and friendly to me. Garrett, I am so sorry for your loss!! I truly understand what a heart break it is!!! Please know that I pray for you everyday. Praying for all. One step at a time.
I truly wish I would of met Kathy years ago. I absolutely am sure we would of been close cousins and friends, and we share the love of the Beatles, and music♥️. God Bless your broken hearts at this sad time, but I am sure your happy smiles will return, just thinking and talking about all of the smiles you’ll remember about Kathy. Wish we could be with you all on your celebration of life event, sending our huge hugs to you all now♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️.
My condolences to the family 🙏🙏
Sending our sincere condolences on the passing of Kathy. Prayers for your family being sent
Kathy and I worked together for several years at Stapley Jr. High. She never wanted to miss a day. Kathy was always willing to stop what she was doing and help anyone who needed help. She loved her family and her pets. She was a great lady and will truly be missed. Rest In peace Kathy.
Kathleen was the greatest band mom anyone could ask for. Wouldn’t be where I am today in the music career if she hadn’t provided such a warm and welcoming atmosphere in the very beginning. Will always think back fondly of the smiles, laughs and random kitchen conversations. Her spirit will live on in all of us.
I have been so fortunate to not only teach two of Kathy’s children, but also work with Kathy. She was a shining light and brightened life of anyone who came in contact with her. She will be missed.
I want to give my condolences to all of the family. Garret is an amazing husband and father. My grandma talked highly of him everyday, thanking God for him. Kathy is my grandmas hero, best friend, and her eternal sister. I was blessed enough to take many trips to Arizona with my grandmother Lorry to visit her sister and family. Some of my greatest memories will be those trips. The way my grandma loves her big sister Kathy is like no other. She brings her so much love, happy memories, and a beautiful bond. I’m so thankful my grandma got to be loved my Kathy, Garret, and all the children. Always remember, “all you need is love.” Thank you for being positive and strong. I love you all.
~Mallory Ball
Kathy was all about Love! For Garrett, her children , her dogs, her extended family. Her smile and laughter made you feel special! I am so happy my brother found and married this woman that he loved so completely. I am glad she is at peace now, but she will be missed greatly.
Thanks you Kathy for your kindness, happyness, beeing a friend, help and all the good memories. You will be missed in Berchtesgaden too. All my love
My deepest condolences to Garrett and family. I met Kathy when I was an college intern in B’gaden in ‘87. It was off-season so I spent a lot of time in the office with the rec staff and Kathy was always so supportive, kind and helpful during my time there. She really was the sweetest person.
It was an honor to help care for her. Prayers to Garrett and his family. God Bless!
Garrett and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Kathy openly and genuinly shared her warmth and compassion with everyone she met. Her love, smile and memories will be with you always. You are in our thoughts and prayers. 💕
Oh how many fond memories we have of Kathy. We met in Berchtesgaden when our daughters were the only two students in the Elementary school there. Kathy was a kind and happy free spirit whose company always shared a laugh and a smile. She fiercely loved her children and husband and made all visitors feel welcome and comfortable. Both our families vacationed together to Italy and again shared lots of laughter. We met up a few times in Arizona towards the start of her Alzheimer’s journey and upon parting she gave me a strong hug as if to make sure her presence was felt. Garrett, we cannot imagine the loss that you are feeling. Words cannot adequately comfort you during this sad time. You are in our thoughts and hope you find some solace in the multitude of happy memories you have of Kathy and her smile that you see in your children and grand children in the future.
Garrett, So very sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family.