Kveta H. Smear

Kveta “Kitty” Smear, age 97, of Dayton, Ohio, passed away on Friday, October 17, 2025.

Kveta was born on January 4, 1928, in Prague, Czechoslovakia. Only child to the late Frank and Josephine Sedlacek, she enjoyed a happy childhood in the city. After graduating from high school, she met and fell in love with a handsome young American soldier named John C. Smear, who was serving a tour of duty in the Air Force. They married and soon welcomed a son into the world. It wasn’t long before the pair made the move to the United States, where they would plant their roots and add another branch to the family tree: a daughter.

Kveta devoted herself to nurturing her family and managing the household. In addition to being a highly involved mother of two, she was also a loving caregiver to animals. Whenever possible, she found food and shelter for animals in need, many becoming cherished members of her family. She was also a woman of faith, who served God and her community as an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She was brave and tenacious, intelligent and determined. She spoke three languages, made a life for her family in a foreign country, and proudly honored her new culture alongside the culture of her girlhood while maintaining dual-citizenship. To her family and all who knew her, she leaves a legacy of strength, devotion, and caring spirit.

Along with her parents, Kveta is preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, John C. Smear.

She is survived by her two beloved children, John R. (Donna) Smear and Marlene Heier; treasured grandchildren, John Lee (Julie) Smear, Allyson (Matt) Condon, Jessica (Scott) Ervin, and Brittney (Michael) Ireland; and cherished great-grandchildren.

Her family invites those who mourn her loss to gather at Routsong Funeral Home in Kettering (2100 E. Stroop Rd.) on Friday, October 24, from noon - 1:00pm, to share memories and express condolences. A funeral service will take place at the same location at 1:00pm, followed by burial at David’s Cemetery in Kettering (4600 Mad River Rd.)

Kveta’s family extends their heartfelt thanks to the nurses and staff who cared for her in her own time of need.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Kveta’s honor to SICSA.