Kristine Smith Baltus

Kristine S. Baltus died at sunrise on Sept. 2, 2022, in Asheville, N.C., surrounded by her immediate family and following a two-month battle with an aggressive form of leukemia. The day also marked her 50th wedding anniversary. She was 74. Born Kristine Carol Smith on Sept. 1, 1948, in Milwaukee, to parents Rita (Roettgers) Smith and Walter Ivan Smith, Kristine was a voracious lifelong reader and exceptional cook whose vibrant mind, quick wit, and sparkling smile drew people to her throughout her life. Her independence and intellect were an inspiration to many, particularly her children. To everyone who knew her, she was a force. After graduating from Brookfield East High School in 1966, Kristine attended the University of Wisconsin – Madison, where she earned her BA in Scandinavian Studies. Her appetite for exploring the world then led her to Oslo, Norway, for a year, during which time she traveled extensively through Europe. Kristine returned to Wisconsin in 1971, reconnecting with Dennis Baltus, an old high school and parochial school classmate who became her husband. Together Kristine and Dennis lived in La Crosse, Wis., and Pittsburgh, Penn., before buying their first house in Wauwatosa, Wis. They welcomed a daughter, Leah, in 1978, then moved to West Bloomfield, Mich., in 1980 when Dennis accepted a job opportunity in the Detroit area. Knowing no one there, Kristine set about building a home, welcoming her son, Michael, in 1983. Over nearly 40 years on Old Carriage Lane, she created a home that reflected both her excellent taste and her love of art and gardening. She formed extraordinary friendships with neighbors who became family, and her house was often the center of activity on the block, filled with the comings and goings of children and friends. Her Christmas parties were the stuff of legend. After Dennis retired in 2017, he and Kristine moved to Asheville, a place they chose for its mountains, quirky character, food scene, and proximity to Michael and his family. She once again manifested a beautiful home and immersed herself in the local community through book clubs and the neighborhood social committee. In just four years, she formed deep bonds with new friends, all of whom helped make the last years of her life some of the happiest. Kristine is survived by her husband Dennis Baltus, daughter Leah Baltus (Jason Justice), son Michael Baltus (Katey Rich Baltus), grandsons Charlie and Sam Baltus, brother Michael Smith (Kathy Smith), nephews Eric and Evan Smith, and many close friends near and far. Anyone who wishes to make a donation in Kristine’s honor is encouraged to give to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society or Literacy Together, an Asheville organization that provides literacy services to children and adults. A memorial service will be held on Sept. 10 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Pavilion in Thoms Estate.

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Kristine Smith Baltus

September 1, 1948 - September 2, 2022