Kathleen S. Smith

Kathleen “Kathy” Dodge Ellithorpe Smith, age 75, a resident of Meadowbrook Nursing Home in Bloomer went home to be with her Lord on 07/29/2024. Kathleen was born March 6th, 1949, in Chippewa Falls, WI. She was the only child of Bernelda Elouise Dodge and precious grandchild of Milton and Dorothy Dodge, with whom she spent a great deal of her childhood. She spent her entire life in the state of Wisconsin. She married Bob “Smitty” Smith on November 6th, 1987.

Kathleen is survived by her son, David M. Ellithorpe and his wife Jeannette, and in her marriage to Bob she gained 10 more children: Scott (Lorraine) Smith, Debra (Earl) Jaenke, Vickie (Howard) Anderson, Susann (the late J.R. Cross), Michael Smith, Douglas (Donelle) Smith, Jodi Smith, Mark (Lisa) Smith, Bradley (Tanya) Smith, Todd Smith. Grandsons, Dakota Ellithorpe and Christopher Sanders, great grandson, Blaze Ellithorpe great granddaughter, Cataliyna Ellithorpe along with grandchildren, Shawn, Corey, Jarad, and Lucas Smith, Jason, Nathan, and Jeremy Jaenke, Travis, Eric, Justin, and Andrea Drehmel, Christine Benson, Chad and Jesse Cross, Kimberly Tucker, Amanda Peebles, Brandon and Donavan Smith, Cody and David Daigle, Robert and Thomas Engels, Austin Fleming, Reilly Puster, Jacob and Breanna Smith, Rory Smuhl, Samantha and Dillan Smith and over 30 other great-grandchildren; and one great-great granddaughter.

She was preceded in death by her husband Bob, her mother and grandparents and her grandson Brady Smith and great grandson Brett Benson.

Bob and Kathy happily operated a small dairy farm in Tilden. She lovingly watched over not just the sleepy-eyed cows but the French Alpine, Nubian and Pygmy goats along with a wild turkey named “Tom” that she and Bob nursed back to health after an accident. They had a house filled with dogs that were very much a part of the family. There is no one who loved God’s four legged creatures more than Kathy. She also loved nature, which she called God’s beautiful handiwork. She and Bob cared for many wild birds and had a yard so filled with an array of beautiful flowers that cars would stop along the road to admire them. When Bob passed away in 2008, Kathy moved to the Shoe Factory apartments in Chippewa Falls and spent many happy years there. She was a good friend and neighbor to many. She loved people and could very easily begin a conversation with anyone. She loved the Candy Shoppe, Olson’s Ice Cream and Country Treasures.

Kathleen was a born again Christian and was an active member of Crossroads Church for many years. She developed many family-like close relationships there and was loved by all. For twelve years, she taught her precious preschool aged children all about God and His heaven as well as all about His son, Jesus. She gently led them through Bible history, how to pray and be thankful and to follow the Lord. Kathleen states this was one of the most important things she did with her life. She also volunteered at Rosebud and Friends Drop in Center and the Barnabus Christian Coffee House and supported animal welfare groups. Kathleen was a CNA and worked for Northwest Wisconsin Home Healthcare for 10 years. She provided special nursing care with love and respect. She showed God’s love through her tender loving touch for all her patients. She loved to create and her talent for art was evident in the greeting cards she would spend hours bringing to life - her cards were truly “keepers”.

Kathleen’s presence in the life of her family and friends and will be greatly missed. The sound of her laughter, her teasing and joking and her heartfelt prayers will never be forgotten. She is now resting in the promises of God.

The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Monday, August 5, 2024, at Crossroads Church, 209 South Ave, Chippewa Falls, with a visitation one hour prior to the service at church. Rev. Jeffrey A. Braden will be officiating. The interment will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Menomonie, WI.