Kathryn A. Chlon Smith's Obituary
Kathryn Ann Chlonsmith, 67, of Decatur, Illinois, passed away peacefully at Decatur Memorial Hospital on May 29, 2026, after a several years long battle with COPD and emphysema.
Katie was born on September 2, 1958, in Oxnard, California, to Donald O. Couch and Peggy D. Couch, both of whom preceded her in death.
Katie was the youngest of four children. She was also preceded in death by her two older brothers, John Couch and Donald “Dean” Couch. She is survived by her older sister, Deborah Berg, and Deborah’s husband, Doug Berg, who resides in Arizona.
Katie grew up in Simi Valley, California, and spent most of her life in Southern California.
In March 2022, Katie moved to Decatur, Illinois, with her three children, Cassandra, Christopher, and Nicholas. She had an extraordinary love for life and lived it to the fullest. In her younger years, she was an equestrian who enjoyed barrel racing and roping.
Katie worked in a variety of roles over the years, but her true passion was professional truck driving. She spent several years driving long-haul routes before later taking local runs throughout Southern California and Nevada.
Katie also had a deep love for animals, especially her dogs. In her younger years, she showed Great Danes, and at the time of her passing she had three Great Danes and a Persian cat.
Katie was independent, capable, and never afraid of hard work. She could fix just about anything, kept every tool she might need, and did not mind getting her hands dirty. She also had a deep love for Harley-Davidson motorcycles.
Katie loved sharing her passions with her family, especially boating and off-roading. She also enjoyed traveling, and in 2023 she fulfilled a longtime dream by taking an Alaskan cruise, checking one more item off her bucket list.
Katie leaves behind an incredible legacy and memory. Katie has 4 adult children and one nonbiological daughter. Amy Putnam, 50, of Apple Valley, California. Cassandra Chlon, 39, Christopher Chlon,36, and Nicholas Chlon, 33, all who reside in Decatur Illinois. Nichole Barillaro, 38, of Indiana. Katie has seven grandchildren. Marc Putnam, 34, his wife Shirley Putnam (34), Christian Putnam, 30, Hailey Putnam-Williams,18, Heather Putnam Allex, 11, Chloe Chlon, 8, and Peyton Chlon,9, who preceded her in death in 2021. Katie also leaves behind five great grandchildren. Arianna Putnam, 17, Ayden Putnam,15, Issabella Putnam, 13, Addeline Putnam, 10, and Irelynn Putnam, 5. Katie leaves behind several other family members and friends, all of who she loved deeply.
Katie will be deeply missed by all who knew and cherished her. Her quick wit, warm sense of humor, adventurous spirit, and deep love for life, family, and animals touched everyone around her. She was always willing to help others and open her home to those in need, and that generosity will be remembered by many.
Katie has been reunited with her parents, brothers, and the animals she loved so dearly. She can now rest peacefully and breathe easy. She will remain forever in our hearts.
Kathryn Ann Chlonsmith
September 2, 1958 - May 29, 2026
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