Kathy Finlinson Smith of Delta, Utah, passed away December 22, 2015 at the age of 69. She was born June 14, 1946 in Delta, to Leo Lyman and Sarah Marie Church Finlinson. She grew up in Oak City, Utah, the second of eight children. She graduated from Delta High School with the class of 1964 and moved to Provo to study Home Development and Family Relations at Brigham Young University. While studying at BYU, she met and fell in love with her husband, Doug Smith. They were married December 22, 1965 in the Manti LDS Temple, and together they have three children: Cristie, Marcy, and Mike; as well as four grandchildren: Amanda, Brandon, Kylie, and Taya.
As a lifelong active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Kathy served in various church callings. She served in the Primary, Young Women and Relief Society presidencies and as a Cub Scout leader, but her favorite assignment was the ward organist and music coordinator where she served for many years. She loved the gospel and was valiant to the end. Kathy’s life was centered in love and that is her legacy.
Kathy was vivacious, wise, warm, and loving and will be greatly missed by all who knew her. She loved her family and friends and always had time for those who needed a listening ear. She was tenacious and stubborn when it came time to do what needed to be done and never seemed to sit still for any length of time. She was adventurous and very artistic, with a great love of travel and sketching. Her hobbies included music, gardening, and bargaining for leather goods in Tijuana; but above all ‘people’ were her hobby.
Kathy made family and service a priority in her life; She always sought to lend support to her neighbors, friends, and family. She was a dedicated advocate for those in need of a voice and was a founding member of the advocacy group PUSH. She is remembered for her selfless service to others and deep care for all of those around her. She was a great listener and often said, “Everyone has a story to tell.” She spent much of her time taking care of others, especially the elderly, and made cultivating relationships with the members of her community a priority in her life.
Kathy had a great love of music and was an accomplished musician. She played the piano, organ, and guitar, and she was always singing. She volunteered her musical talents at church, funerals, and care centers, serving as ward organist and pianist for the primary for a number of years. She passed her love of music on to her children and the youth of her community, teaching many young people to play the piano and the organ. Kathy also enjoyed singing in groups and was a member of the ward choir, The Blue Notes, and participated in a quartet that traveled across the state and even competed in the Utah State Fair and won top honors.
Kathy is survived by her husband: Douglas Alan Smith; her three children: Cristine (Scott) Fuller, Marcy Smith, Mike (Jen) Smith; her mother: Sarah C. Finlinson; her sisters: Marie (Bob) Siciliano, Sylvia (John) Stevens, Robyn (Milt) Mayhew, Sara Rae (Tom) Suwyn, Meladee (Mark) Maggos; brother: Joe (Trudy) Finlinson; and grandchildren: Amanda Fuller, Brandon Fuller, Kylie Mei Smith and Taya Xian Smith. Kathy was preceded in death by her father: Leo Lyman Finlinson; and her brother: Mason Finlinson.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, December 28, at 11:00 AM, at the Sutherland LDS Chapel. Viewings will be held on Sunday evening, 6:00-8:00 PM, at the Nickle Mortuary; and Monday, 9:30-10:40 AM, prior to the service. Burial will be in the Sutherland Cemetery.
Kathy’s family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff at Millard County Care and Rehabilitation for their help, concern, and care.