Katie Smith Koch entered into her heavenly home on August 7, 2026 at the age of 88. She was a resident of Zephyrhills, FL, where she died peacefully at her home.

She was born to Dorce Crain and Ora Armstrong Crain on October 29, 1937 in Middletown, OH. She was raised with two siblings, Peggy and Bob, in Dover, TN. She attended Austin Peay State College where she meet her first husband, Joe. They were married in August of 1957. Together they had two boys, Mitch and Jeff.

Katie was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ, her Lord. She and Joe, traveled world wide, preaching and teaching the gospel of Jesus. One of her highlights of that time was bringing Bibles to Christians in Mainland China. Katie was gifted in ministering to college students, women and especially to young families. 

Katie and Joe lived in many different locations. They landed in Gainesville, FL for 20 years, and eventually Tampa, FL for another twenty years. Katie and Joe shared 57 years together before Joe's passing.

On January 6, 2019, Katie married Norm Kock. They divided their time between Dover, TN and Zephyrhills FL. Katie and Norm have done extensive traveling around the United States completing Katie's bucket list. They enjoyed an Alaskan Cruise and a Columbia Snake River Cruise. Katie has always enjoyed anything having to do with nature. She loved the Smokey Mountains, butterflies and bird watching. She could identify many birds by their song. She instilled, in her children and grandchildren, that same appreciation and fascination for all of God's creatures. Katie will especially be remembered for her passion for Jesus. She was a beautiful and gracious lady. Being around her was always a delight and refreshment. She carried within her the fragrance and love of Christ.

Katie is survived by her husband Norm Koch and her son Mitch Smith, his wife Rebie and daughter-in-law, Sharon Smith. She had nine grandchildren, whom she adored; Michelle Smith Crowell, Catelyn Smith King, Davis Smith, Sarah Smith Nipper, Rachael Smith Cotton, Andrea Smith Haskins, Brandon Smith, Hannah Smith Penn and Emily Catherine Awesum. Katie is also survived by 18 great grand children, with plenty of love to go around. Also surviving is her brother, Bob Crain and his wife Linda.

Katie was predeceased by her husband Joe Smith (2014), her son Jeff (2006) and her sister Peggy (2023). 

We believe that as Katie entered and stood before her Lord and Savior, she got to hear these words from Him, "Well done, good and faithful servant.... Enter into the joy of your Master. (Matthew 25:21)

An interment will be held for Katie on August 11, 2026, at 1:00 pm. at Florida National Cemetery-Bushnell.  Following, there will be a Celebration of Life service, held at Valleydale Estates Community Center at 4:00 pm.