Katherine M. (Mosteller) Smiley died on December 29 at the Manatawny Manor where she had received care for several years. Born in Chester Springs in 1929, she was the daughter of Chester and Katie (Simmers) Mosteller. Together with her husband of fifty-three years, the late Robert F. Smiley, they made Chester Springs their home and raised a family.
A church musician, Katherine served Centennial Lutheran Church for over fifty years as its organist and choir director. In addition, she taught piano for over thirty years, was a 4-H leader, worked for Penn State Extension, and was the owner of the custom embroidery company Smiley Enterprises.
Katherine Smiley is survived by her daughters: Mary and her husband David Rowe, and Ruth and her husband J. Christopher Kurylak. She rejoiced in her four grandchildren: Alex (Stephanie) and Matthew Kurylak, and Rebecca (Rowe) Resch (Christopher) and Andrew Rowe. In addition, Katherine enjoyed four great-grandchildren: Matthew, Jr. and Oliver Kurylak, and Emily and Nathan Resch. She was preceded in death by her brothers Russell and Oliver Mosteller, and her late-in-life companion Ray Smith.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, a graveside service will be held at St. Matthew's United Church of Christ Cemetery on Tuesday, January 5 for immediate family with the Rev. Gerald L. Tancredi officiating. A memorial service will be held at a later and safer date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Katherine's name to Centennial Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1330 Hares Hill Road, P.O. Box 840, Kimberton, PA 19442. Arrangements are being handled by the Campbell - Ennis - Klotzbach Funeral Home, Inc., Phoenixville. Condolences may be offered online at www.PhoenixvilleFuneralHome.com.