Cathy Maxey Smith

Cathy "Maxey" Smith

March 24, 1952 – October 13, 2025

Cathy "Maxey" Smith was born on March 24, 1952, in Charleston, Mississippi, to Charles and Davilene (Overstreet) Maxey. After the passing of her father, her mother later married Leighton Miller, and the family moved to Clarksdale, Mississippi. Cathy and her brother, Greg, became part of a loving blended family with the Millers.

Cathy attended school in Clarksdale and graduated from Clarksdale High School in 1970. She spent her freshman year at the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) and took a memorable summer "studying" at the University of Hawaii. Never one to sit still, Cathy worked as a camp counselor in Maine and later moved to Jackson, Wyoming, with a friend—experiences that perfectly reflected her adventurous spirit.

On April 19, 1975, Cathy met the love of her life, David Franklin Smith, at the 2nd Annual Louisiana Country Music Festival. They were married on December 20, 1975, at The Chapel of the Cross in Madison, Mississippi, and soon after began their biggest adventure yet—moving north to Bemidji, Minnesota.

Cathy earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from Bemidji State University. She and David shared a passion for teaching and spent their careers together on the Red Lake Indian Reservation in northern Minnesota. On March 10, 1979, they welcomed their daughter, Amanda Dixon Smith, who was the light of their lives.

After 31 years of teaching, Cathy retired in 2010. That same year, she was blessed with her first grandchild, Iris Anastasia Warthesen, followed in 2012 by her second granddaughter, Amelia Margaret Warthesen. “Nana” adored her granddaughters and treasured every moment spent with them.

Cathy loved to travel and had visited all 50 states. She and David shared a life filled with love, laughter, and adventure—exploring the United States, enjoying cruises abroad, and making every day together special. Cathy enjoyed staying active, with years spent cross-country skiing, mountain biking, and playing pickleball.

Cathy passed away peacefully on October 13, 2025, at Vernon Manor in Viroqua, Wisconsin, after a long journey with Alzheimer’s. Her family extends heartfelt thanks to the caring teams at Bethel Oaks, Vernon Manor, and St. Croix Hospice for their compassionate support.

Cathy will be remembered for her infectious smile, kind heart, and joyful spirit that brightened the lives of everyone who knew her.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 49 years, David Smith; her daughter, Amanda (Josh) Ostrem; and granddaughters Iris and Amelia Warthesen, all of Viroqua, Wisconsin. She is also survived by her stepson Jason Smith of Punta Gorda, Florida, and numerous loving family members and friends throughout the country.

A celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association or Vernon Manor in Cathy’s memory. Online Condolences may be expressed at www.vossfh.com.