In Loving Memory of Kathleen “Kathy” Jo (Pullen) Smith
December 27, 1964 – June 8, 2026

It is with profound sadness and immense love that we announce the passing of Kathy Jo (Pullen) Smith, who was born on December 27, 1964, in Storm Lake, Iowa, to Larry Lee Pullen and Judith Ann (Wagner) Larson.

Kathy was a woman whose heart knew no strangers. She had a remarkable gift for making everyone feel welcome, often breaking the ice with her outspoken personality, quick wit, and sly comebacks. Whether you had known her for years or had just met her, Kathy had a way of making you feel like family. Her kindness, generosity, and genuine care for others left a lasting impact on countless lives.

Above all else, Kathy’s greatest joy was her family. She was the proud mother of five children and cherished every moment spent with her growing family. Her love extended beyond her children to her eleven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, all of whom brought immeasurable happiness to her life. Her hugs were warm, comforting, and full of unconditional love. She was the kind of person who would give you the shirt off her back and never hesitate to lend a helping hand.

Kathy is lovingly survived by her mother and stepfather, Judith and Larry Larson; her sisters, Deborah Zerfoss and husband Jeff Zerfoss, and Joanne Brinkman and husband Robert Brinkman; and her five children:

Amanda Lee (Schaben) Rodriguez, and her children: Leah Ann (Burleigh) Causey and husband Alex Causey, Ciara Schaben, Messiah Massallo, and Eli Massallo.

Tyler Michael Schaben and wife Rachel Schaben, and their daughters, Ellis Schaben and Willa Schaben.

Garrett Schaben and wife Victoria Schaben.

Kayla Schaben and significant other Daniel Peters, and their daughters, Ka’Niah Peters and K’Lonni Peters.

Emma Smith and significant other Desmond Parks, and their children, Malea Alvarez-Carpio, Amara Alvarez-Carpio, and Marquis Parks.

Kathy was also blessed with great-grandchildren, Ja’Miah Causey, Ella Massallo-Schaben, and Esme Massallo-Schaben, as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, Larry Lee Pullen; her maternal grandparents, Grace and Loyd Wagner; her paternal grandparents, Leona and Floyd Pullen; her stepfather, Robert Reis; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins; and her beloved great-grandson, Ezra Burleigh.

Though our hearts are broken by her loss, we find comfort in knowing that Kathy is with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Her legacy of love, laughter, and compassion will live on through the family she adored and the many lives she touched. She taught us the value of kindness, a good laugh, and the beauty of embracing others with an open heart.

Kathy will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.