Linda Knoop Smith

Linda Knoop Smith, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, and friend, passed away on August 31, 2026, at the age of 86.

Linda was born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky, the daughter of Robert F. Knoop and Ruth Hund. She graduated from the University of Cincinnati, where she began a life that would remain closely connected to the Cincinnati community for many years.

Linda and her husband, Watson Christen Smith, made their home in Terrace Park, Ohio, a Cincinnati suburb where they lived for 45 years and raised their three children. Linda was deeply committed to education and to her community. She taught for 15 years at Seven Hills School in Cincinnati and continued to give her time as a volunteer in the Cincinnati Public School system for many years afterward.

In 2010, Linda and Chris moved to their vacation home in Charlevoix, Michigan, a place that became an important part of their lives. Linda was a member of Christ Episcopal Church in Charlevoix and became part of the community she loved there.

Linda is survived by her three children, Christen Blake Smith, Nancy Brooke Smith, and Paula Kay Smith, and her four grandchildren, Blake Andrew Smith, Roma Jane Casey, Beatrice Ren Casey, and Frances Po Casey.

She will be remembered by her family and friends for the life she built around the people she loved, her dedication to children and education, and the many years she gave to her communities in both Ohio and Michigan.

Her family will miss her deeply and will carry her memory with them always.

A memorial service honoring Linda’s life will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at Christ Episcopal Church, 200 State St., Charlevoix, MI 49720.

Another memorial is being planned in Cincinnati, OH, and details will be announced as they are made available.

Arrangements are in the care of the Charlevoix Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign her online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com