Kathleen Smart
February 3, 1950 - July 6, 2021
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.
In Loving Memory
Rest in peace, my sweet beautiful wonderful longtime friend.
Katie has always lived in my heart, so not having her in her contained, physical form will not effect our relationship at all! She always is the first to show up in my meditations whenever I ask for assistance to help bring love to any situation. I am sure she is STILL doing that! But I offer my love and blessings to Katie's son and daughter and grandchildren who I know she loved so much.
Katie has been an angel of love and light in my life since I met her in 2009. She has such a beautiful and loving way of connecting with others. Through the years we had wonderful visits over the phone and at the Oasis Cafe in SLC whenever I was in town. She often spoke of how she loved and adored her grandchildren and children. Fly free my beautiful Katie! Forever you're here in my heart, with sparkles of purple and blue. Love and light to all who know and love her. Always, Ann Broadbent
I first met Katie when I moved to Sheridan, Wyoming in late 1988. I worked with her husband, Reed, and Katie and I quickly became friends. We stayed in touch over the years and would meet for meals whenever I was near SLC. We even went up into the Big Horn Mountains one day and swam in a stream and therefore helping me push my boundaries open more. We loved beading and she introduced me to an elder who taught me much about Native American beadwork. She inspired me on many levels. Katie was a gentle soul. I cherish the role she played in my life. Soar with the angels, dear Katie! You are loved.
Katie (or Megan's Mom as I knew you) Rest in peace you beautiful lady. Am so happy to have met you and will always think of you with so much love. Xxxxxx
Oh Katie! My heart and soul will always love you my dear friend. Although we only met 3 years ago, we connected in a way that seemed like we had been life long friends. I loved our chats and lunches every single time.You brought so much light, laughter and joy to myself and so many others. I will always remembers that we loved all the same old music from the 70's, Steely Dan especially! May you RIP my Katie Girl. Shine your light in all the heavens above. Deb L.
Dear family of Katie! How I will miss your sister, mom and step-mom. Katie was my oldest cousin. I looked up to her and her sisters and brother. She was always kind to me although I was much younger. I remember that she gave me one of her beautiful pastel Easter dresses when I was growing up. I loved it. Katie has always loved and radiated beauty and light. She saw the good and lovely everywhere she went. I send my love and prayers that you will feel comfort and peace during this difficult time. Hugs to all of you. Take care! Fondly, Nita Smart Facer
Sweetest Katie~ There isn't a better example of Christ-like love than you. Your life is the epitome of what Grandma Smart would be so proud of. I will miss your soft and gentle kindness, your talents and gifts. You hold a very special place in my heart. Dear cousins Karl and Susan~ What a wonderful experience it must be to be a sibling to Katie! I love her...and you....so very much, and ask Heaven to be with you at this most tender and sacred time of transition. Bonnie Hymas Sulz
Katie was such a light and love in my life. It was so easy to have fun and be silly together. I am so grateful for the wonderful memories, deep conversations, insights, and inspiration. The world is lighter and brighter place because she was here, because she lived, and because she loved! I will love you forever dear Katie!
I am so sorry to hear of her passing. I met Katie as a fellow social worker at UNI. She worked as a PRN and was always so kind willing to help out whenever we she could. She loved talking about her kids. She also had very witty personality. We had a calendar in our office that had daily (inappropriate but true) quotes that gave us lots of laughs. No one knew who brought it until one day our supervisor said "oh ya, Katie brings them every year for Christmas!" Rest in peace sweet friend. ❤️
In Loving Memory
