Obituary

Katharine B. Smolik, of Kettering Ohio, passed away on August 9, 2019 at Hospice of Dayton. Born in Oregonia, Ohio, she was a graduate of Lebanon High School. Katharine worked for NCR, and then onto the City of Centerville as Clerk Treasurer and ultimately was elected Clerk of Courts for Kettering, Moraine, Washington Twp., and Centerville. She worked for Dayco Products until her retirement in 2000. She had a long list of community and civic duty, beginning with her membership in the Centerville Mother’s Club, past president of Kettering Pilot Club, member of Ohio Municipal Court Association, Charter Member of National Court Administrators Association, and most recently a member of Immaculate Conception Ladies Auxiliary. She was a steadfast supporter of the Dayton Council 500 Knights of Columbus.

Katharine is survived by her devoted husband of nearly 30 years, Melvin J. Smolik; loving daughter Joyce and son-in-law Jim VanDenHandel; granddaughters Andrea Hunter and Katharine (Jake) Kuhns; and great grandchildren Logan, Trevor, Leah, Owen and Bridget. She also leaves behind dear brother Walter and sister-in-law Debbie Biggs, sister Donna Jean and brother-in-law Glenn Williams and several nieces and nephews. She was a beloved step-mother to Michele Kline, Mark (Linda) Smolik, Greg (Fiancé Lorrie) Smolik, Danene (William) Beal, and James (Christine) Smolik; Step-grandmother to Katy, Lauren, Emily, Patrick, Brian, Ashley, Jimmy, Matthew and Faith; step-great grandmother to Jacob, Noah, and Samantha. An animal lover at heart, she also leaves behind her dear Westie, Sophie.

A celebration of Life for Katharine will be held on Saturday, August 24, 2019 at Bainbridge Hall at 6:00pm for family and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ohio Hospice of Dayton at hospiceofdayton.org or mailed to Hospice of Dayton Foundation, 324 Wilmington Ave., Dayton, OH 45420. Katharine was an avid gardener who loved all flowers, but especially enjoyed her petunias. The family requests that friends and family plant a special petunia to remember Katharine in the spring.