Kathleen Ables Smith

Kathleen was born September 10, 1929 in Lincoln County, Tennessee to R.A. and Virge Locker Ables, the fourth of nine children.

Besides her parents, Kathleen was preceded in death by brothers, Don and Charles Ray Ables, sisters, Ernestine Wilson and Ruth Douglas, and grandson Marcus McLaughlin.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughters Marianne McLaughlin and Ginger Ray (Dick), grandchildren Lesley Roberts (Jeremy), Warren Ray, and Mary Ables Ray, and great grandsons Lex and Luke Roberts, her siblings Bruce Ables (Sandi), Lex Ables (Barbara), Faye Pylant, Dixie Offutt (Jim), many loving nieces and nephews, cousins, and her “special grandson” Brad Sparks.

Kathleen received her RN from Saint Thomas Nursing School in Nashville, and later, her BSN from UA-Huntsville. She was nursing supervisor for many years at Lincoln County Hospital and retired from her nursing career at Humana Hospital-Huntsville.

She was baptized in the Church of Christ and attended both Mayfair and Central.

An avid Alabama football fan, Kathleen honored many friends and family with her crimson and white crocheted afghans. She was famous for her angel biscuits and snickerdoodle cookies and took great pride in her flower beds and lawn, mowing her own grass well into her 80’s. Yet, more than anything, she was devoted to her family.

Kathleen will be laid to rest Sunday, January 24, 2021 in the Chapel of Love, Valhalla Memorial Garden, Huntsville, Alabama. Due to COVID-19 this is a private family gathering.

Those wishing, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, the Marcus McLaughlin Memorial Fund (Univ of Tenn, Camp Koinonia; A304 Bailey Complex, 1122 Volunteer Blvd., Knoxville, TN. 37996-3400) or the charity of your choice.