Wendy Smithhart Canary, 61, of Owensboro, passed away on Friday, June 26, 2026 at her home. She was born December 26, 1964 in Owensboro to the late Frank Smithhart and Martha Jeannie Millay. She retired from MPD. Before Wendy got sick, she enjoyed spotlighting for deer with her grandkids and James and riding 4-wheelers. She loved Christmas lights, being outdoors in the pool, food, and “Saturday night dates” with the grandkids. Wendy also loved watching Kaiden play football and watching Kiersten and Nikki play softball.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Stephen Smithhart.
She is survived by a daughter, Nicole “Nikki” (Brad) Bartlett; son, James Canary; three grandchildren, Kierstin Thompson, Kaiden Bartlett, and Payton Bartlett; two great-grandchildren; siblings, Lawrence “Butch” (Darlene) Smithhart, Debra (David) Gish, Karen (David) Hardesty, and Kathy (Mike) Alvey; niece, Lindsey Lane; many nieces and nephews; a lifelong friend, Bud Lively; and the father of her children and lifelong friend, Bruce Canary.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. Private burial will be in St. Peters Cemetery.