Linda M. Smith, age 65, of Montour Falls, NY, passed away on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at Arnot Ogden Medical Center surrounded by loved ones. Linda was born in Montour Falls, NY. She was predeceased by her parents, Clarence Ralph "Skip" and Margarita Ramirez Hayes; brothers, Jesse Hayes and Jeffrey Hayes; and godson and nephew, Zachary Hayes. Linda was the beloved wife of 47 years to Kirk D. Smith, a devoted mother to her daughter and son-in-law, Margarita and Joshua Jelliff of Soldotna, AK; and a proud, fiercely loving grandmother to Joshua Jr., Anita, Gunner, and Blaze. She is also survived by her brother, John Hayes of Watkins Glen, NY; and sister, Christina (James) Inman of Lansing, NY; goddaughter and nieces, Nicole (Christopher) Bauman of Indianapolis, IN, and Jeuillie Hayes of Montour Falls, NY; sisters-in-law, Betty Hayes of Montour Falls, NY, and Judy Smith of Tioga, PA; brothers-in-law, Rick (Amy) Smith and Harry (Tina) Smith; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews that she loved dearly.
Linda knew she wanted to follow her grandmother's footsteps into nursing by the time she was in the 3rd grade. She became a candy striper at 14 years old, volunteering at Schuyler Hospital, then became a Licensed Practical Nurse and spent over 37 years caring for others and making lifelong friends at both Cayuga Medical Center in Ithaca, NY, and Schuyler Hospital in Montour Falls, NY. Barbie dolls were special to Linda, and she avidly collected them her entire life. She was also a diehard NASCAR and Dale Earnhardt fan and never missed a race.
Linda lived life with passion and humor. She had unconditional love for her dogs, both past and present. She was a member of the Montour Methodist Church and Montour Mechanics Club. She loved a good party and cherished her family and friends deeply.
Linda's strength, laughter, and love will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew her.
Family and friends are invited to Odessa-Catherine United Methodist Church, 305 Church Street, Odessa, NY, on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, for Calling Hours from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Her Memorial Service will follow at 1:00 p.m.