Obituary of Kathryn Shadid Smiley

Kathryn Shadid Smiley, 93, passed away to be with her Lord on Monday, December 28, 2009. At the time of her death she lived at The Summit at Westlake Hills in Austin, Texas. She was born to John and Ethel (Straub) Shadid on June 10, 1916 in Clarksville, Texas. She married Ross Brady Smiley on April 3, 1938 and moved to Mission, Texas where they lived for over 65 years. Following Ross’s death in 2003, Kathryn moved to Austin, Texas. Kathryn is survived by her two daughters Kathy Proctor (David) Duax of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and Martha Ellen Smiley of Austin, Texas. Survivors also include grandsons, Richard and John Gentry of Austin, Carson Ross (Rachel)Proctor of Crystal, Minnesota, and granddaughter Kimberly Proctor of College Station, Texas. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ross Brady Smiley, infant daughter Elizabeth Ross, her parents, sister Mary Elizabeth Murphy and brother Eugene A. Shadid. Kathryn was proud to be a wife and mother, saying many times that her life’s ambition was to be Ross’s wife and Kathy and Martha’s mother. For her, this meant paying attention to all things in their lives, big or small: like having a delicious lunch ready when her husband and daughters rushed home from work and school at noon; or having snacks and educational activities for her daughters after school; or the preparation of her specialties (meatballs and pumpkin chiffon pie) which were family favorites; or special decorations, games and activities with the grandchildren around holidays and vacations. Her intellect, compassion and generous spirit were dedicated to the welfare of her family. Each member of her family--husband, daughters, and grandchildren- were the beneficiaries of her commitment to being ever present for each of them. Her greatest joy was to be there for each of us. We learned and grew in the kindness and dedication of her love. Kathryn was a member of the adult choir for thirty years at the First Presbyterian Church in Mission. She was a wonderful musician with a beautiful alto voice and she made certain that her daughters learned music as well. At her church she taught children in Sunday school for many years and served as president of the Women of the Church. She owned a private kindergarten for ten years before kindergarten existed in the public schools. In later years, she worked as a librarian at Bryan Elementary School in Mission. She loved children and her greatest pleasure was spending time with her children and grandchildren. An able leader, she served others in many capacities including being president of her PEO Chapter “J” and president of the Mission Study Club. She was a person who believed in education and doing things “the right way”. She loved her friends and doing things for and with them. Her smile lit up a room. We will miss her very much! The family especially wishes to recognize and thank Kathryn’s long time caregivers: Anna Garcia, .Adele Jara, Pauline Opara, Maura Ramos, Janie Cantu, Roxanne Jara-Arevalo, and Esther Saldana. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 2, 2010, at the First Presbyterian Church in Clarksville with Rev. Ed Dodson officiating. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery under the direction of Clarksville Funeral Home. A memorial service will follow in January in Mission where the family has many long-time dear friends. Memorial gifts may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, 1102 Ash Dr. in Mission, TX 78572, or to the charity of your choice.