Kaye S. (Eckler) Smith

Mohawk - Kaye S. Smith 80, a longtime Mohawk (Town of German Flatts) resident, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at Folts Brook Center, Herkimer, NY with her family by her side.

She was born on April 17, 1945, in Ilion, NY, the daughter of the late Donald and Ethel (Hoke) Eckler.  Kaye attended Mohawk High School and was a proud majorette for the marching band.  

On October 25, 1962, Kaye was united in marriage to David W. Smith at the First Baptist Church in Little Falls, NY. The couple shared a blessed union of 62 years until the passing of David on February 20, 2025.  

Kaye began her professional journey at Mohawk High School as an attendance officer, where she supported students with her care and dedication. She then served as a clerk at Duofold in Ilion, NY, before joining the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Herkimer County. Her career ultimately led her to the USDA Farm Service Agency in Herkimer County, where she found her true calling.

At the Farm Service Agency, Kaye took immense pride in her work, not just in the tasks she performed, but in the meaningful relationships she created. She touched the lives of countless clients, offering guidance, support, and friendship. Even after retirement, she deeply missed the connections she had built and cherished during her time there. Kaye’s commitment, warmth, and compassion left a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Kaye was a loving and caring mother, grandmother and great grandmother, whose life was centered around her loved ones. She was the happiest when she was surrounded by her children and grandchildren. Often times you would see her cheering on her children and grandchildren at sporting events and extracurricular activities such as football, soccer, bowling, wrestling, softball, baseball, and band concerts.  In her earlier years, Kaye found joy in simple pleasures—cooking (she was famous for her chicken riggies and rosa marina salad), crocheting, playing solitaire, and taking shopping trips with her sister, daughter, and granddaughter, Brittany. She also loved scenic drives through the Mohawk Valley, cherishing the time spent with family and the beauty of her surroundings.  Kaye’s faith was a central part of her life. Over the years, she was a devoted member of First Baptist Church in Little Falls, NY and Dennison Corners Community Church. She was commonly known as “Grandma Kaye,” to the countless number of children she nurtured in the church nursery, leaving a lasting impression of love, warmth, and kindness. Her gentle spirit and unwavering faith touched everyone around her.  

In her later years, Kaye faced the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease with quiet strength and grace. She spent her days at the Folts Brook Center, where she found comfort and joy in visits from her daughter, Carol, and son-in-law, Tony. Above all, she cherished the special visits from her great-granddaughter, Maebelle, whose presence brought light and happiness to her days. Even as her memory faded, Kaye’s love and warmth continued to shine through in the connections she shared with her family.

She is survived by her daughter, Carol Macrina and husband Anthony of Mohawk; three sons, Donald Smith and wife Lori of Dallesport, Washington State, David Smith and wife Julia of Bedford, Virginia and Aaron Smith and Emilee Konchar of Milford, NY;  her cherished grandchildren, Brandon (Amanda) Macrina, Brittany (Brad) Niles, Nolan Smith and Allison Guerra, Elizabeth (Brian) Anker, Kai Ellyn Smith and David Welch, Lauren (Nathan) Armstrong, Daivd Jacob Smith, Ben Smith, and Abel Smith; her 14 great grandchildren; cherished sister, Jean Fenton and husband Thomas of Prospect Hill, NC; two sisters - in - law, Cynthia Smith of Mohawk and Lillian Kress of Ilion; three brothers - in -law, Joseph Smith Jr. and wife Elizabeth of Mohawk, Andrew Smith of Florida, and Walter Smith of Mohawk; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Besides her parents, she was pre-deceased by her mother and father-in-law, Joseph & Lillian Smith and her sister - in - law, Lavinia Smith.  

The family would like to acknowledge the special care Kaye received at Folts Brook Center. A special thank you to Brandi, Marie, Sue, Christine (who always was willing to make her nails look beautiful), Bernadette, Angie, Michelle, and the rest of the staff for the love they showed her over the past year.

In keeping with Kaye’s wishes a graveside service will take place later in the spring at a date and time to be announced at Cedarville Cemetery. There are no public calling hours. Arrangements are under the caring guidance of the locally owned and family operated, Vincent A. Enea Funeral Service (next to Hannaford Markets) 527 E. Albany St., Herkimer, NY.

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