Kathy attended all her school years in Lohrville and graduated with the class of 1976.  She then attended the University of Northern Iowa and graduated in May of 1980 with a degree in mathematics.

Her first job out of college was with Continental Western Insurance as a computer programmer.  She later took employment with Farm Bureau Insurance in the same field.  She moved to Colorado in 2001, to continue working in the insurance industry and to live next to the mountains and the friends she loved.

In 2007, Kathy moved back to Iowa permanently.  While living in Des Moines she enjoyed volunteering at a West Des Moines nursing home where she made many friends.

In May 2015, she moved to Sunnybrook Assisted Living in Carroll after being diagnosed with early-onset dementia.  She resided there until her final move in December of 2017 to St. Anthony's Nursing Home and resided there until the time of her death.

Kathy was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and spent many years as a volunteer at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Des Moines.

Kathy is survived by her mother, Patricia Schmitt, Churdan; brothers Chuck (Linda) of Lohrville, Tony (Teresa) of Urbandale, Ken (Angie) of Carroll, Bill (Jan) of Alleman, Steve (Liisa) of Minneapolis, numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and many other relatives and friends.  Kathy was known as an attentive aunt and spoiled her nieces and nephews whenever she got the chance.

Predeceasing her were her maternal grandparents, Aloysius and Anastasia (Cloonen) Richtsmeier; paternal grandparents, John (Jack) and Mary (Grace) Schmitt; and her father, Paul Schmitt in 2017.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the wonderful care from the staff at Sunnybrook and St. Anthony's. Memorials may be left to the discretion of the family.