Kay Louise Smith

Kay Louise Smith, 90 of Fort Myers, Florida, passed away Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at Bay Bluffs in Harbor Springs, Michigan.

Born in Durand, Michigan on February 16, 1936, she was the daughter of Bert and Helen (LaGrange) Auten. She grew up in Durand and was a graduate of Durand High School.

On July 6, 1957, Kay and Duane Smith were united in marriage in Durand, where they began their life together and raised their two children. Kay worked for many years at Simplicity Engineering in Durand, in several positions including that of purchasing agent.

In 1993, Kay and Duane moved to Tawas, then later to Oscoda in the summer, and Fort Myers, Florida in the winter. After Duane's death in 2003, Kay was a year-round Fort Myers resident. In May of this year, she moved to Petoskey to be near her son, Kevin.

Kay enjoyed playing golf, playing cards, and many other pursuits in her Fort Myers community. As one of the younger residents initially, she enjoyed helping the older widows in her neighborhood.

Kay is survived by her son, Kevin (Susan Adams) Smith of Indian River; her daughter, Erin Tripp of West Branch; grandchildren, Josie Tripp, Robert (Jasmine) Tripp, and Nichole (Adam) Pieczynski; a brother, Ronald (Janice) Gooding; and special friends, Dawnette Gooding, and Marge Smith.

In addition to her husband, Duane, she was preceded in death by her parents, Bert and Helen Auten; her stepfather, Earl Gooding; and a brother, Gerald Auten; and sister Jane Gooding Harman.

In keeping with Kay's wishes, her family will remember her privately.

Please share your memories and personal messages with the family at www.gaylordfuneralhome.com/obituaries/kay-smith