Kathryn Rae Smith

Kathryn Rae Smith of Caro, age 88, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at Covenant Cooper in Saginaw, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on September 25, 1937, in Northville, the daughter of the late Samuel and Mona (Calkins) Smith. Kate graduated from Walled Lake High School with the Class of 1955 and went on to attend the Bronson School of Nursing in Kalamazoo, where she earned her degree as a registered nurse. Throughout her career, she served communities across Michigan, working in many settings such as hospitals, doctors’ offices, the health department, and as a traveling nurse.

Affectionately known as “Aunt Kate” to generations of family and friends, she rarely missed a sporting event, band concert, musical, birthday, or family gathering. She adored her nieces and nephews, as well as their families, and would do anything for them. Kate loved traveling, especially up to her cottage in Northport with family. She enjoyed gardening, reading, and in her younger years, sewing. She will be forever remembered for her feisty, protective nature, her unwavering support of her family, and her constant presence in their lives. Kate was loving, giving, and selfless, and she shared a close, special bond with each family member that will always be remembered.

Kate leaves to cherish her memory, her siblings, David (Helena) Smith and Elizabeth “Liz” Zuercher; sister-in-law, Mary Ann Smith; nieces and nephews, Michelle (Ray) Perkins, Darek Smith, Kurt Smith, John (Laraine) Smith, Samuel (Elizabeth) Smith, Holly Anderton, Heidi (Brad) Brown, Keri (David) Moenssen, and Kami (Andy Smock) Zuercher; niece-in-law, Linda Smith; many, many great and great-great nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Kate was preceded in death by her brothers, Lowell Smith and Samuel Smith; brother-in-law, Jerry W. Zuercher; and nephew, Michael Smith.

Kate’s memorial service will be on Monday, March 30, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. at the Ransford Funeral Home in Caro with Rev. Marc Herron officiating. The family will be present to receive visitors on Monday, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of her service. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions to the wishes of the family, c/o Heidi Brown.