Obituary of Kathryn J. Smith

Kathryn J. (Hower) Smith, 95, of Pocono Summit, left this earth on Friday, Nov. 4, 2016, with her family by her side. Born on Oct. 14, 1921, in Cherry Tree, she was the daughter of the late James and Olive (Shankle) Hower. She loved living in the Poconos for 60 years; she graduated from Williamsport High School in Williamsport. Kate worked at Tobyhanna Army Depot as a radio technician before retiring. She was the owner and teacher of Katie's Ceramics. Her interests were crafting, gardening, and spending time with family and friends. Kathryn was a life member of the Pocono Summit Volunteer Fire Company. She was also a member of the Business and Professional Women, Crafty Quilters and Mount Pocono United Methodist Church. This wonderful lady devoted most of her time and energy to being a fabulous wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She is survived by her daughter and three sons: Dolly Bonser and her husband, William, of East Stroudsburg; Earl Gottschall of Stroudsburg; Carl Gottschall and his wife, Marianne, of Brussels, Belgium; and James Smith Jr. and his wife, Wendy, of Pocono Summit. Also, surviving are her grandchildren: Donald Frantz and his wife, Karen; William Bonser Jr. and his wife, Virginia; Christopher Gottschall; Adam Bonser; and Chris, James “JR” Smith III and Tiffanne Stackewicz and her husband, James; and two great-grandchildren, Allison and Alexander Stackewicz. Kate is also survived by two sisters-in-law, Esther Siewert and Clare Smith; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and many, many friends. Kathryn was preceded in death by her husband, James Smith Sr. in June and her sister, Elizabeth Gottschall. A viewing will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Nov. 17 at Bolock Funeral Home, 6148 Paradise Valley Road, Cresco. A memorial service in honor of Kathryn and James Smith Sr. will be held at 7 p.m. at Pocono Summit Volunteer Fire Company. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations should be made in her honor to Pocono Summit Volunteer Fire Company, P.O. Box 400, Pocono Summit, PA 18346.