Kay Smith Family Fund

The adage that “no person is irreplaceable” was proven wholly wrong by the life and accomplishments of Kay (Krapohl) Smith. To the Mt. Pleasant and Big Rapids communities, to Art Reach of Mid Michigan, to Hospice of Central Michigan, to the Women’s Initiative, to our Community Foundation and to countless other organizations and causes, Kay, in fact, is not replaceable. This is a remarkable but true statement. Her gifts of time and wisdom were sought by community organizations and helped shape many of our community’s most valued programs. Kay’s death leaves a void in our community. We were so lucky to have her, and we will never forget that!

Kay was born on July 1, 1941 and went on to receive a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the University of Michigan. Her extensive resume included being the previous owner of Smith Communications, part owner of Krapohl Ford-Lincoln-Mercury and co-owner of Kopy Korner in Mt. Pleasant and Big Rapids. Kay was also a public relations writer for Morbark Industries and for the Guildhall Corporation in Copenhagen, Denmark, and a technical writer for Health Systems Associates in Ann Arbor. Kay’s local communities benefited from her professional communication skills and business expertise.

Kay’s legacy of supporting countless organizations and causes will continue through the Kay Smith Family Fund. She expressed pleasure in knowing her grandchildren would witness the positive impact her family’s fund would have within our community. Kay established a community impact fund because she understood the importance of providing support to the wide range of organizations that benefit our community. Memorial gifts to the Kay Smith Family Fund will become a part of her fund’s permanent endowment. The interest earned from the Kay Smith Family Fund will be used to award grants to charitable programs, services or projects that address the ever-changing needs of Isabella County residents … now and forever!