Kathy Leone (Wilcox) Smith

Kathy Leone Smith, age 76 of rural Blanchardville died on Wednesday, May 29, 2024 at Saint Mary's Hospital in Madison.

In lieu of flowers or trees, the family suggests memorials to be given or sent to them.  Memorials can also be mailed care of Saether Funeral Service, PO Box 93, Blanchardville WI 53516

Kathy was born on April 6, 1948 to James Dean and Geraldine Rae (McCulloch) Wilcox in Fort Atkinson.  She grew up in Whitewater and enjoyed spending most of her childhood time out on the farm.  She went to Whitewater grade and high school, graduating in 1966.  She went to school in Milwaukee for a year, and then started working at St. Mary's Hospital in Madison where she worked for 46 years.  She met William "Bill" Smith in 1968 on the Square in Madison.  They were married on November 15, 1969 in Whitewater.  They made their home in Madison for a short time, around 23 years in Fitchburg, and the last 25 years living in rural Blanchardville.  Kathy was an excellent cook and baker, and made a better pie than anyone else!  She loved hunting, fishing, riding ATV's, traveling, gardening, canning, friends, cards, and suggesting what Bill should do!  She was a member of a Euchre card club for 38 years.  When their kids were young she supported them in shooting sports, girl scouts, cub scouts, 4-H, boating and camping, and has continued supporting them throughout their adult life.   She continued this tradition following her grandchildren through their interests.  Her family and grandchildren were her world.  She was a member of the Deer Creek Sports and Conservation Club. She loved spending time on "the farm", and especially loved being right!

Kathy is survived by her husband, Bill of rural Blanchardville; four children, Julie (Grant) Dochnahl of rural Blanchardville, Chad Smith of Middleton, Amy (Nick) Christen of rural Monticello, Adam (Katherine) Smith of Bondurant, Iowa; 9 grandchildren, Emily, Evan, Elizabeth, Olivia, James, Georgia, Hazel, Levi and Walker; many very close cousins who were like brothers and sisters to her.  She was preceded in death by her parents.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday June 2, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Blanchard Hall, 204 South Main Street, Blanchardville, WI.  The service will be livestreamed on the Saether Funeral Service Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/saetherfuneralservice

A catered luncheon and visitation will follow from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m at Blanchard Hall.  Saether Funeral Service of Blanchardville is assisting the family. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials in Kathy's honor.