Lynda Kay Smith

Lynda Kay Smith was born on October 13, 1957, in Cleveland, Ohio. She was one of five children born to the union of Menrie and Julia Smith. She was educated in the Cleveland, Ohio school system, and attended St. Agnes Catholic school, where she met her lifelong best friend, Kate Rey Small.  Lynda continued her high school education at Notre Dame Academy and after graduation, she worked as an insurance analyst for Aetna.

She would later go on to graduate from Indiana University South Bend with a bachelor's degree in General Studies in 1999. She lived her younger years in Cleveland, and in May 1992 she was truly blessed when her only child, Zachary Steaple was born. Shortly after, in 1994, Lynda decided she and Zachary would leave Cleveland and join her family in South Bend, Indiana. While in South Bend, Lynda was employed as a counselor at a drug treatment facility and worked for the University of Notre Dame in their accounting department. Until her passing, she was employed as the office manager at the Penn Township Trustees Office.

Lynda accepted the Lord early in her life and was a member of Antioch Glory Center for several years where she was an elder and active participant in her church community. She loved to read and write, and she loved nice clothes and expensive shoes.

Affectionately known as 'Red', she was a good listener and was always willing to offer sage advice when asked. She could always be counted on to help wherever she was needed, whether it was helping care for her elderly parents, or any of her many nieces and nephews. She was a strong and amazing woman who rarely complained, even during the last few years when her health declined, and she was in much pain.

Lynda was a loving mother who shared a very special bond with her son, Zachary, whom she lovingly called the 'Man of God'. She always tried to see the best in everyone, and it was never her habit to give up on someone. Lynda had a very deep and abiding faith in her heavenly Father. She read religiously and was always jotting down notes for later reflection, as well as writing down her prayer wishes. She was a fervent believer in the power of prayer.

On Thursday, October 22, 2020, after a long struggle with many health issues, Lynda passed peacefully from this world to her reward in heaven.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Menrie and Julia Smith; siblings: Khadijah Smith Patterson, Pamela Smith Britton, and Cynthia Smith Carruthers.

Lynda is survived by her loving son, Zachary Steaple; her brother, Stephen Smith; brother-in-law, Dallas Patterson; Godchildren: Spencer Small, Kylah White, and Tyra Jones; along with a host of nieces, nephews, family members, and many friends. She is loved by many and will be missed by all.  

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Lynda Kay Smith, please visit our floral store.