News Summary
Patricia ‘Patty’ Smith, a beloved member of the Bowling Green community, has passed away at 75 after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease. Smith was recognized for her significant contributions to various fields, including medical clerical work and community service. A dedicated church member and athlete, she leaves behind a loving family and a legacy of kindness and commitment to her community.
Bowling Green—Patricia “Patty” Smith, a dedicated member of the Bowling Green community, passed away on May 1, 2025, at the age of 75. Smith died at 6:25 p.m. at the Colonial Health and Rehabilitation Center after a prolonged battle with Parkinson’s disease.
Born in Russellville, Kentucky, Smith was an honors graduate of Russellville High School, class of 1967. She furthered her education at Western Kentucky University and the University of Mississippi, known as Ole Miss, where she moved in 1978. At Ole Miss, Smith balanced part-time classes with varied employment across multiple departments, including Education, Biology, Pharmacology, Political Science, Financial Aid, and the Honors College. In addition, she established Pat’s Professional Typing Services, where she assisted Ole Miss students with academic papers and showcased her remarkable typing speed of 180 words per minute.
Returning to Kentucky in 1987, Patty settled in Bowling Green with her husband, Kentucky Colonel Galen A. Smith Sr., and their son. She made a significant impact in the medical clerical field, working for various physician practices, including Dr. Richard Grise and Dr. John Downing. Notably, Smith served as the assistant office manager at Prime Care alongside Dr. Jim Jarvis since the practice opened in 2001. She also spent time as a medical transcriptionist for Western Kentucky Orthopedics and worked at Bando Manufacturing of America as a receptionist and human resources clerk. During her six years at Bando, she not only managed reception duties but also produced the company newsletter and organized events like the Bowling Green Classic 10K road race. Her final role was as a beauty adviser at Walgreens until her retirement.
Beyond her professional life, Smith was an avid athlete in the 1980s and 1990s, participating in numerous 5K and 10K races across Kentucky, Tennessee, and Mississippi, where she earned several awards. A committed churchgoer, she converted to Catholicism in 1983 and was actively involved in St. John’s Catholic Church in Oxford, as well as Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Bowling Green. She contributed as a Eucharistic Minister and participated in various church activities, including the Renew Group and the directory committee. Smith was also a long-time writer for the Western Kentucky Catholic, a diocesan publication in Owensboro.
Outside of her community involvement, Smith had a love for animals and was a lifelong dog enthusiast, with her last pet being a red merle Australian Shepherd named Mr. Jude. She enjoyed traveling, particularly annual vacations to Pensacola Beach with her husband.
Patty Smith’s passing leaves behind her husband Galen, her son Galen A. Smith Jr. and daughter-in-law Danielle Nolfo of Bound Brook, NJ, and several grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother Algie Ray Smith of Russellville, daughters Cindy and Misty Hale of Taylor, Mississippi, and family extended to include a sister-in-law, best friends, and other relatives. Her parents, Algie and Louise Smith, were the former owners of the Gulf Service Station located on U.S. 68-80 and Franklin Road.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by J.C. Kirby and Son Broadway Chapel. The funeral mass for Smith will take place at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Bowling Green on Thursday at 11:00 a.m., with visitation starting at 9:00 a.m. prior to the service. Following the mass, her ashes will be interred at J.C. Kirby Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to Hosparus Health Barren River, located at 101 Riverwood Ave., Suite B, Bowling Green, KY 42103, as an expression of sympathy.
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Additional Resources
- Bowling Green Daily News: Patricia Smith Obituary
- Wikipedia: Obituary
- WKU Herald: Patti Minter Concedes
- Google Search: Patricia Smith Bowling Green
- Covenant Funeral Service: Lucy Patricia Smith Dickenson
- Google Scholar: Patricia Smith Kentucky
- Dignity Memorial: Catelynn Smith
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Patricia Smith
- Hardy & Son Funeral Homes: Debbie Grimes Obituary
- Google News: Patricia Smith Kentucky Obituaries
Author: STAFF HERE BOWLING GREEN WRITER
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