Kaylea Nichole Smathers

With heavy hearts, we announce the unexpected passing of Kaylea Nichole Smathers, 25, of Lexington, Kentucky, on Monday, June 9, 2025. Born on August 15, 1999, in Louisville, Kentucky, Kaylea was the beloved daughter of Lee and Laura Smathers and a light in the lives of all who knew her.

Kaylea was a proud graduate of the University of Kentucky, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology. With a heart full of compassion and a spirit of curiosity, she brought warmth and empathy to everyone she met. Never one to meet a stranger, she made friends easily and often — her joyful personality and kindness leaving a lasting impression wherever she went.

A devoted and loving wife, daughter, sister, niece, cousin, and friend, Kaylea cherished her family deeply. She shared a special bond with her brother, Trace, often joining him at Boy Scout meetings and unofficially earning many of the same badges, always determined to keep up — or outshine — in her own sweet way. Kaylea also participated in the Kentucky 4-H program; excelling in the Natural Resources area for fishing and shooting sports; Family and Consumer Science area for preparing her country ham; and the Agriculture and Animal science area for dog agility. Silly, spirited, and full of care, she brought laughter and comfort in equal measures.

Kaylea had an abiding love for animals, especially her cherished dogs — Loki, Freyja, and Rosie — who were more like family than pets. She had a musical soul, played the flute beautifully, and enjoyed the vibrant energy of K-Pop. Her heart and imagination were touched by her favorite trip to Europe, a memory she often recalled with joy and wonder.

She found joy in life’s many details — the delicate blooms of hydrangeas, the thrill of riding horseback or four-wheelers, the fun of board games and video games, and the satisfaction of creating with her hands through tarsia woodworking.

Kaylea's life was filled with vibrant color, music, laughter, and love. Her presence was a gift, and her absence will be deeply felt by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

She will be missed more than words can express — but never forgotten.

Kaylea is preceded in death by her grandfathers, James Smathers and Kenneth Vickers; and an aunt, Debby Shumate.

Left to cherish her memory, Kaylea is survived by her loving family, including her husband, Brian Agler; her parents, Lee and Laura Smathers; her brother, Trace Smathers; In-laws, Kevin and Sara Agler; 2 grandmothers, Betty Vickers and Linda Smathers; aunt, Lauren Metzmeier; 2 cousins, Josh and Ellie Metzmeier; and a host of extended family and close friends, whose lives she touched with her kindness, wit, and radiant spirit.