Kimberly Grace Anderson Smith, 62

In Loving Memory of Kimberly Grace Anderson Smith

Kimberly Grace Smith lived her life with a love for her family, a deep faith in God and Jesus, and a spirit that could not be held back. She passed away October 16, 2026. Born with intellectual disabilities, she never allowed that to define her or limit her love for life. She had her own special way of connecting with people, sharing her faith, and making her presence known wherever she went.

Kim was born July 2, 1964, in Ellwood City to Donna Scheidemantle Anderson and the late Benjamin Anderson III. She married the love of her life, Burton Smith, in 1988. She was the beloved sister of Pamela (Bert) Ottaviani, the late Benjamin (Robin) Anderson IV, William (Laura) Anderson, Douglas (Lori) Anderson, Anita (Fred) Orozco. They spent 20 years together before his passing in 2009. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews whom she adored and her boyfriend, James (Jimmy) Nyoh.

Faith was at the center of her life. She loved God and Jesus wholeheartedly and was always ready to minister to anyone willing to listen. She found joy in singing and dancing, music was one of the many ways she expressed her love and faith. She was never shy about sharing what she believed, and her enthusiasm for the Lord was an important part of who she was.

She also had a remarkable curiosity about the world and the people around her. She could ask questions better than a detective, and if she wanted to know something, she was going to find out! As a young child, she did not speak for many years. But once she found her voice, she certainly made up for lost time. She had plenty of questions, plenty to say, and a determination to make herself heard. She learned American Sign Language to communicate with a close friend and would often sing and sign at the same time. She would be engulfed in the message. It is especially heartbreaking that frontotemporal dementia eventually took away her ability to communicate in the later years of her life. Yet her story will always be remembered for the voice she found and the spirit that shone through it.

She found happiness in so many things. She loved to draw and was especially drawn to the beautiful colors of fall. She loved trains and traveling, exploring places throughout North America and experiencing the world beyond home. She had a special affection for The Lion King and treasured her Simbas, keeping them close to her. These simple but meaningful joys were part of what made her so wonderfully unique.

She was a graduate of Riverside Beaver County School District. Kim was an active participant at The Phoenix Center in Rochester, Pennsylvania, a drop-in center serving individuals with special needs. The center was an important part of her life, providing opportunities for connection, participation, and community.

Kimberly/Kim/Kimmy will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her love of singing, her endless questions, her adventurous spirit, and the many interests that made her who she was. Her life was a reminder that a person’s worth is never measured by their abilities or limitations, but by the person they are and the love they share.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the nurses and staff at Passavant Memorial Homes Abundant Life Center in Zelienople, PA for the care, compassion, and support they provided throughout her journey. Their dedication and kindness are deeply appreciated.

Friends may call on the family on Wednesday, October 21, 2026 from 5:00pm-6:00pm with a Funeral Service at 7:00pm with an additional hour of visitation after the funeral at Turner-Hyde Funeral Home of Ellwood City.

Interment will be in Hookstown Cemetery.

Though her voice grew quiet, the love, faith, and memories she leaves behind will continue to speak for her.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the TURNER-HYDE FUNERAL HOME located at 6th and Park in Ellwood City.