Obituaries

Jeffrey Michael Smith, 65, of Taylor Mill, KY, passed away on Monday, October 13, 2025, from a car accident.

Jeff was born on October 21, 1959, to Walter Clayton Smith and Adeline Delores (Engen) Smith in Thief River Ralls, MN. He grew up in Moorhead, MN, where he graduated from Moorhead High School in 1978. He attended and graduated from Bemidji State University in Bemidji, MN, with a bachelor's degree in Psychology in 1983. He obtained his masters degree from Colorado State University in Fort Collins, CO in 1986 and his doctorate in Psychology from Colorado State University in 1988. He worked at Northern Kentucky University for 37 years, as a professor and a department chair in the Psychology department.

Jeff was the rock of his family. He could always be counted on for support, help or advice on anything you needed. All you had to do was call him to let you know you needed him and he would drop whatever he was doing to rush to help you. He was kind and caring and loved spending time with his family, traveling with his wife, entertaining and playing with his granddaughter, creating in his makeshift woodworking shop, gardening and relaxing in his backyard with his dog, a campfire and a cigar.

He was a longtime supporter of Scouting America (formerly the Boy Scouts of America). He was a den leader and cubmaster for his son Andrew and they went on many camping trips and adventures together building lifelong memories. He lived to see his granddaughter Melora join the scouts as well and passed on all his books and tips about being a den leader to his son who is now continuing that adventure.

Jeff was survived by his wife, Diane Smith; daughter, Lindsey Smith; Son, Andrew Smith; Daughter-in-law, Angela Smith; granddaughter, Melora Smith; siblings, Kathy (Dan) Hocevar, Jeanie (Rob Wilson) Smith; aunts, Janice Critchley and Becky Olson; nieces and nephews, Christopher, Sam, Hannah, Micah, Joseph, and Patrick; best friend John Jacobs; and many other loving relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Delores and his brother David.

The memorial service is Sunday, October 19, 2025 2pm - 4pm at Allison & Rose Funeral Home, 5645 Taylor Mill Rd, Taylor Mill KY, 41015.