Kathleen Smith

Kathleen Smith

Wasilla resident Kathie Smith, 68, passed away of natural causes, Friday, April 5, 2019 at Mat-Su Regional Hospital with family and friends by her side. She was born on January 17, 1951 in Anchorage, Alaska to parents Patrick John Bliss Sr. and Martha Elizabeth Bliss. She graduated from West High School in Anchorage. Kathie’s free spirit and love for life drew people like a magnet to her. Being the mentor she was, she could help you prepare the best pie in the morning and fix your vehicle or plumbing in the afternoon. Accomplished private pilot, she flew for the Iditarod Air Force. She aspired to become a flight instructor. She owned her own business, Mushers Feed and Supply, where you could get anything needed for a trail run, also she prepared meals and snacks for the dog teams. She was a laborer and road mtn. flagger, before she retired as a Paraprofessional from the Classified Employees Association union working with special needs children. What brought Kathie the most happiness was spending time with her children and grand babies. Kathie is survived by her sons, Lance (Jenne) Mackey, Jason (Lisa) Mackey and Wesley (Eden) Smith; step-son’s, Rick and Billy Mackey; brother, Jimmie Bliss; sister, Bridget Bliss (Rob); sister-in-law, Barbera (Rusty) Bliss; grandsons, Patrick, Jason and Atigun; granddaughter’s, Alannah and Lozen; great grandson, Elim and many nieces, nephews and cousins from Alaska and Michigan. Preceded in death by her husband, Bill Smith; father, Patrick John Bliss Sr.; mother, Martha Elizabeth Gray; step-father, Alfred Earl Gray; brother Patrick Bliss and sister Mikie Bliss; step-daughter, Betty Mackey.

A memorial service will be held at Janssen’s Mat-Su Funeral Home (6901 E. Blue Lupine Drive, Wasilla) on Saturday, April 13, 2019 at 2:00 pm with Jim Nelson officiating. A reception will follow.