Mary Katherine Carr

Mary Katherine "Kay" Carr, of Billings, MO, passed away at home on December 24, 2025. She was born on July 26, 1944, in Richmond, CA, to Joel and Walsie (Bates) Marchant and was one of two children in the home.
Kay, as she was affectionately known, married Leon Smith and this union was blessed with two children, Joanna and Johnny. Kay drove a school bus for the Republic school system for almost 35years. Kay enjoyed taking care of everyone and always putting others before herself. She was an excellent cook and quite a talker. It has been said that if you started a conversation with Kay, you better grab a chair and a cup of coffee because you'd likely be there for a while. She never met a stranger, and after a conversation, you became a lifetime friend. She was a huge animal lover, especially dogs. She also loved to dance and listen to Elvis. Kay married Jackie Carr and they enjoyed their retirement together until his passing in 2015.
She is survived by her son Johnny Smith, grandson Cody Short, granddaughter Cheyenne Short and her partner Justin Brown, great grandchildren Cohen and Aspen Brown, her sister Barbabra Murphy and a step-son Steve (Ellen) Carr as well as other extended family and friends.
Kay is preceded in death by her parents, daughter Joanna Marie Short and son-in-law Eric Short, husbands, Leon Smith and Jackie Carr.
Kay's family will receive friends and family on Monday, January 05, 2026, from 1-2 p.m. at Meadors Funeral in Republic. Funeral services will follow at 2 p.m. Kay will be laid to rest in Evergreen Cemetery by her late husband Jackie. Arrangements are under the direction of Meadors Funeral Home and online condolences may be made at www.meadorsfuneralhome.com