COLUMBUS
Mary “Cathy” Smith was born on June 29, 1961, in Columbus, Indiana, to Rosemary and Chester Reed. Her biological father passed away due to heart problems when she was four and her mother married Ralph Miller in 1967, who was an amazing father to her. In 1978, Cathy met the love of her life, James Smith and they married and had a daughter Colleenia in 1979. Together, they built a life rooted in loyalty, love, and shared adventure. Due to James’s service in the United States Army, Cathy traveled the world by his side, embracing each new place with great flexibility with many jobs. She worked for Quantum Services as an Auditor. Throughout her life, Cathy faced many health challenges from a young age. She fought through them the best she could with perseverance. Cathy passed away on January 25, 2026, leaving behind a lot of good memories with all of her loved ones. She kept in touch with special friends from Columbus North High School named“The Southside Girls,” and their reunions were some of her best days over the last few years. She kept a special best friend from her days in California with Anna Correia.
Cathy is survived by her loving husband of 46 years, James Smith; her daughter, Colleenia (Bala) Korapatti; the best grandson ever, Ian Korapatti; and her cherished granddogs, Rex and Bella. She is also survived by her loving sisters, Leda Bassett (Terry) and Cyndy (James) Oakley, along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins who were deeply important to her. Also surviving is her sister-in-law Linda Gentry who was like a mom to her. In addition to her parents, Cathy was preceded in death by siblings Jim Reed and John Gentry, her sister-in-law Rita Gentry as well as her young nieces Crystal Bruenning, Laural Bassett, Leslie Bassett and young nephews Justin Hawk and Tommy Gentry. Cathy will be remembered for the love she gave so freely. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
While flowers are a welcomed token of grief, the family requests that donations may be made in Cathy’s memory to The American Heart Association. A visitation will be held from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. at Barkes, Weaver and Glick Funeral Home in Columbus, Indiana, on Saturday, February 7, with the funeral service immediately following. Pastor Jim Hoppus will officiate. The family also invites visitors to wear red in memoriam of Cathy in support of heart health.
Condolences and special memories may be shared with the family and a video tribute may be viewed at barkesweaverglick.com.
