Patricia Salmons Smith, age 78, of McDermott, OH, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center. Born August 22, 1947, in Louisa, KY, she was the beloved daughter of the late Howard and Bertha Conn Salmons.
Patricia—known affectionately as “Patty” to her students and loved ones—was a lifelong educator whose passion for teaching extended far beyond the classroom walls. She earned her Master of Education degree, a testament to her deep commitment to academic excellence and the transformative power of learning. Patty spent her career in the Greenup County School System, where she became a cherished figure, not only for her knowledge but for her unforgettable teaching style.
Whether introducing children to the gentle patience of turtles, the curiosity sparked by snakes, the handling of guinea pigs, or the joy of outdoor exploration, Patty believed that education should be lived, not just learned. Her lessons often took place under open skies, where nature became the textbook and every student was invited to see the world with wonder. Generations of children remember her not just as a teacher, but as a guide who helped them connect learning to life.
She loved her students dearly and was often reminded of her influence after they left her classroom.
Patty leaves behind her devoted husband of 45 years, Lyle Brent Smith; three daughters, Angela (Tod) Wiget of Bethel, OH, Shelly Taylor of McDermott, OH, and Lora Lee (Darrick) Jenkins of Lucasville, OH; one son, Ernest (Maria) Begley of Piketon, OH; two sisters, Lois (Larry) Morgan of Richmond, KY, and Violet (Tony) Golding of Bermuda Run, NC; one brother, Ronnie (Patsy) Salmons of Ransom, KY; three in-laws, Steve Smith, the late Mark Smith and Shawna Smith; twelve grandchildren—Jay Taylor, Jordan Leslie, Christopher Wiget, Mariah Irvin, Austin Jenkins, Johelen Sampson, Brianna Howard, Shaniah Begley, Alexis Jenkins, Karinah Begley, Serenah Begley, and Allie Darnell; seven great-grandchildren; and a wide circle of extended family, former students, and friends who will miss her deeply.
Funeral services will be held at 11 A.M. on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at Morton-Hunt Family Funeral Home in South Shore, KY, with Kenny Martin officiating. Patty will be laid to rest in Grandma’s Garden on the Smith Farm, 5233 Chenoweth Fork Road, Piketon, OH 45661, at 1:30 P.M. following the service. Visitation will be on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, from 6 P.M. to 8 P.M., and again from 10 A.M. until the service hour on Wednesday.