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Katharine Smalley

Aug 14, 1944 - Aug 6, 2014
Katharine L. Smalley passed away Wednesday, August 6, 2014, at the Help for Health Hospice Home in Riverton at the age of 69. The dignity and strength that characterized her entire life carried through her health difficulties, and remained with her to the end.

Kathie was born on August 14, 1944 to Herbert B. and Martha L. (Rains) Jones in her grandparent’s home in Powell. She grew up there, taking piano lessons, playing organ for church, and graduating from Powell High School in 1962.

She married Myron Smalley in Powell on August 3, 1963, and together, they began a life-long journey around Wyoming finishing their education, raising their two daughters, and eventually enjoying their grandchildren and grand-dogs. Wishing never to be called “grandma,” her grandchildren (and ultimately her family) were instructed to call her “Kate.”

Music was a driving force in Kathie’s life, and she provided private piano lessons to countless young people for over 46 years while her family lived in Worland, Cheyenne, and Riverton. Her outdoor piano recitals were enjoyed by students’ families and neighbors alike. She spent countless hours volunteering in Worland and Riverton schools, accompanying programs, reading with children, and enhancing learning experiences any way she could. She will be remembered for sharing her love of music with so many, and for her endless energy and zest for life. She treasured her family and friends, loved her music students, and had a special attraction for all dogs, especially Dalmatians, her “spotters.” Picnics in the mountains and searching out moose and bears in the Park were always special times for her. She dearly loved decorating for each season and holiday, and was a master at transforming a small gathering into a big “she-bang.” Blackened hot-dogs and marshmallows, pie, pizza, and chocolate were among her favorite things. Kathie particularly enjoyed shopping and giving perfect gifts to her family and friends.

She was a past Honored Queen, Majority Member, and past Bethel Guardian of the International Order of Jobs Daughters and a member of numerous music teachers associations.

Katharine was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Steve.

She is survived by her husband, Myron in Riverton; two daughters, Tamera (Val) Bigger in Albuquerque, New Mexico; and Debra (Lloyd) Meredith in Riverton; two grandchildren, Cpl Zachary Bigger, USMC in Yuma, Arizona, and Gabrielle Bigger in Las Cruces, New Mexico; and a sister, Ann (Colin) Carr in Copperas Cove, Texas.

Cremation has taken place, and at her request, no formal service is planned. For those that wish, memorials in Kathie’s name may be made to Help for Health Hospice, 716 College View Drive in Riverton.