Linda Kay Smith's Obituary
Linda Kay Vichesky Smith, 84, of Monroe, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 28, 2025, at Atrium Health Union.
Born March 22, 1941, in Findlay, Ohio, she was the daughter of Bob Switzer and Mary Elaine Crumrine Switzer. Linda worked for many years as a medical transcriptionist and later served her community as a school bus driver. Throughout her life she was known for her feisty spirit, sharp mind, loving heart, and remarkable independence.
Linda was a woman of many interests and talents. She loved shopping whenever she could, enjoyed NASCAR, and was an avid fan of both college and professional football. She had a gift for gardening and could make anything grow. Creative and industrious, she enjoyed quilting, crocheting, and reading. She was also an excellent cook—her weekend fish fries are treasured memories for her sons, especially after their weekday fishing trips.
Her boys lovingly remember her famous disciplinary tool—the hairbrush—and the way she cared fiercely for her family. She would go to great lengths to provide for them, including the memorable story of her getting LASIK eye correction surgery simply so she could renew her driver’s license. She was a loyal bingo player, and she had a special love for animals.
Her son Tim fondly recalls the mischievous adventure of straight-wiring her black Volkswagen after she left for work so he could visit friends—always making it home just in time, and Linda forever wondering why her gas tank was constantly empty.
Linda was preceded in death by her husband, Melvin Smith.
She is survived by her three sons: Kenneth Smith and wife Annette of Wingate; Tim Smith and wife Blair of Concord; and Mike Smith and wife Shawne of Waxhaw. She is also survived by her brothers, Butch Vichesky and Fred Vichesky; sisters, Sue Ferrel and Sandra Lange; five grandchildren—Amanda Godwin, Kourtney Smith-Starling, Lindsey Flake, Ashley Smith, and Steven Michael Smith—and ten great-grandchildren, who will carry forward her legacy of love, strength, and joyful spirit.
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