Kathleen Smart

February 3, 1950 - July 6, 2021
Kathleen Smart

In loving memory of our mother, stepmother, grandmother, and friend, Kathleen (Katie) Smart age 71, of Salt Lake City who passed away unexpectedly on July 6th, 2021.

Katie was born February 3, 1950 in Pocatello Idaho, as the eldest of Lyman Francis Smart and Arlene Rich Morgan Smart's four children. Katie moved with her parents and siblings all across the country as she grew up. She lived in and went to school in many places, including Idaho, New Mexico, Utah, and Washington D.C. A talented artist, Katie majored in Art and graduated with a bachelor's degree from Southern Utah State College in 1972. Katie continued to study art and play therapy over the course of many years and later attained her Master's of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Utah in 1995.

Katie married Reed Sutton Morrill on January 19th, 1973 in Evanston, Wyoming and became the instant stepmother to Reed’s seven children from his previous marriage (all teenagers!). Soon after, Katie and Reed welcomed two additional children to the family. Katie helped create a loving, secure, magical, and playful home. She was known for her wonderful meals, especially her cakes and cookies. She also loved to participate in and share her love of art, books, music, nature, camping, and lively conversations. Katie always ensured that all family and friends were welcome and accepted. She was always present for the weddings, birthdays, holiday celebrations, loss, and challenges that a big family entails. Although Katie and Reed later divorced, all of Reed's children, grandchildren, and extended family continued to maintain a close relationship with their beloved Katie.

Katie worked hard and held a variety of jobs throughout her life. She loved telling stories about the summer she lived in Zion National park working as a housekeeper and front desk clerk, as well as her time working at the Wyoming State Hospital and the Wyoming State Women’s Prison in Evanston. Katie would do whatever it took to support her family, which included working part time at the JCPenney Call Center and then full time at Pioneer Valley (now Jordan Valley) Hospital to support herself and her children while she was also a full time student studying for her MSW. During all of this time she never failed to find the time for others, often sacrificing her own comfort.

When Katie attained her MSW and then her LCSW, she was able to combine her two great passions, art and helping others. As a social worker and art and play therapist, Katie had a special affinity with children. She was never happier than when given the opportunity to talk, laugh, listen, and play with a child, especially her grandchildren. Katie was an advocate and ally to anyone who needed her support. She was happy to lend her ear, sympathy, experience, aid, and advice to anyone who needed it. Katie collected a huge cadre of life-long friends along with innumerable "unofficially adopted" sons, daughters, and other family for whom she would always gladly make time. All of whom will miss her empathy and kindness.

Katie is survived by her children, Megan Morrill (Max) Leggett and Joshua Morrill, and her stepchildren, Lelan Daines (Patrick Wyche), Andy Morrill, Melanie (Jim) Snyder, Miriam (Jeff) Rich, Michael (Sarah) Morrill, and David (Judy) Morrill. She is also survived by her sister, Susan (Ray) Gardner, and brother, Karl (Karen) Smart, her two grandchildren, Oscar and Lilah Leggett, as well as numerous nieces and nephews, step-grandchildren, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents and by her sister, Mary Ann Mower. 

Friends and family may gather and share memories of Kathleen on Tuesday, July 13, 2021 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. Purple and bright colors are encouraged.