Carolyn Raye Smyth

Carolyn R. Smyth, 83, of West Lafayette passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, in her home at Westminster Village following a diagnosis of cancer. Carolyn was born June 21, 1942 in Fort Scott, KS to the late Cecil “Bill” and Raye (Jones) Culbertson. On January 30, 1971, she united in marriage with Stuart J. “Jim” Smyth in North Augusta, SC. Carolyn graduated from Lamar (MO) High School in 1960 and the University of Arkansas in 1964, and was a proud member of Alpha Delta Pi Sorority. A lifelong Razorback fan, she shouted “Woo Pig” ever since. Her career started in Houston, TX where she taught physical education for five years. After moving to Lafayette, she began a new fulltime career with Caterpillar, and was able to thrive in a male dominated environment, gaining the respect of many throughout her career. She served in many roles including Materials Engineer, Requirements Superintendent, and retiring as the Personnel and Public Affairs Manager.

Carolyn was the devoted mother to two rambunctious boys who kept her running to baseball, swimming, and soccer games – and later supported their education at Indiana University and watched them build successful careers and families. When she wasn’t chasing her boys and their families, she was busy collecting and selling antiques, visiting friends and relatives, and traveling with Jim. Carolyn is survived by her sons Corbin (Carrie) Smyth of Park Ridge, IL and Jamie (Shannon) Smyth of Indianapolis, IN as well as grandsons Will Smyth of Chicago, IL and Tommy Smyth of Pittsburgh, PA. Also surviving are the Culbertson sisters Sandy Balestracci of Orange Park, FL, Sherry Bickel of Nevada, MO, and Rhonda Fowler of Fayetteville, AR, as well as numerous nieces and nephews, whom she adored.

Carolyn will forever be cooking, eating, entertaining, and looking for the next antique mall. A private family graveside service and internment is planned soon at Spring Vale Cemetery in Lafayette, IN including pallbearers Corbin, Jamie, Will, Tommy, Bob Leonard, and Trent Bickel.