Kathryn Joan Smith Hofstetter

It is with heartfelt sorrow and profound respect that we announce the passing of Kathryn Joan Smith Hofstetter, lovingly known as "Kate," who departed this world peacefully on May 25, 2026, at her home, following a recent illness. Born in Watervliet, Michigan, Kate was a beacon of warmth, kindness, and love throughout her rich and vibrant 90 years of life.

Kate was the cherished daughter of Walter Mathias "Nat" Smith and Ruth Helen Smith, both of whom preceded her in death, along with her dear siblings, brothers James Smith, Richard Smith, Donald Smith, Kenneth Smith, and sisters Barbara Smith Zvonar and Beverly Smith Ulrath. Her grandson, Kyle Hofstetter, also predeceased her, leaving a poignant absence in the hearts of the family.

Kate's journey was marked by a deep love for family and a zest for life that she shared with her beloved husband, George "Pete" Hofstetter, to whom she was married since 1983. Her earlier marriage to Donald Roberts in 1955 blessed her with five loving children: James Roberts (Patrice), Dawn Roberts Stetka (Joseph), John Roberts (Wilhelmina), Michael Roberts (Katy) and Kathryn Roberts. She was also the proud stepmother to Eric Hofstetter (Deena).

Her legacy is lovingly continued by her 17 grandchildren: Shannon Roberts Schaeffer, Matthew Stetka, Lindsay Stetka Pike, Claire Stetka, Pieter Roberts, Paul Roberts, Andrew Roberts, John Roberts, Benjamin Roberts, Sara Roberts, Keith Roberts, Nicholas Roberts, Dennis Roberts, Lauren Roberts Kuehnert, Brian Hofstetter, and Reid Hofstetter, as well as 20 great-grandchildren who brought her immense joy. Her sister, Natalie Smith Hartstein, along with numerous cherished nieces and nephews, also survive her.

Kate's life was one filled with purpose and passion. After graduating from Watervliet High School in 1955, she embarked on a diverse career path that saw her as a dental assistant, a local newspaper editor, a real estate agent, and a title company professional. Later, she shared her talents as a writer for Discover Smith Mountain Lake magazine. Her role as an army wife from 1958 to 1965 took her to Tokyo, Japan, and Heidelberg, Germany, adding a global dimension to her life experiences.

Kate and her family returned to the United States landing in California and eventually moved to Maryland. Several years after her marriage to Pete, they built a beautiful home on Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia, where they resided for 25 years. They enjoyed all that the lake life had to offer, including many visits from family and friends.

Her hobbies reflected her multifaceted talents and zest for life. Kate found joy in tennis, birdwatching, gardening, sewing, crocheting, knitting, word games, puzzles and refinishing furniture. She loved music of all genres especially Irish folk songs and ballads which reminded her of her Irish heritage. Above all, she treasured her Christian faith, and the time spent with her family and friends, where her warmth, humor, and happy disposition shone brightly. This was especially evident at the recent celebration of her 90th birthday!

Kate loved genealogy. She researched her family history and wrote two books. Her book, The Horse Trader's Daughter, is a beautiful story of her own mother’s journey and family including marrying a WWI soldier, giving birth to eight children, overcoming sickness, tragedy, the Great Depression and WWII to include a legacy of over 100 descendants.

Kate lived a full and interesting life, enriched by her many talents, creativity, and love for those around her. Her amazing spirit and love of life will be dearly missed, but her legacy of warmth and kindness will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.