Kathleen Sarephine Hart, beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on January 8, 2026.
Kathy was born on March 31, 1962, in Neepawa, Manitoba, to Joseph and Jean Jakubowski. She was raised on a farm in rural Canada alongside her five brothers—Joe, Larry, Bernard, Bob, and Dennis. Farm life shaped Kathy’s strong work ethic and deep love for animals. From a young age, she helped care for milk cows, beef cattle, chickens, pigs, and, most especially, her beloved horses. She spent countless hours riding ponies and horses around the farm with her brothers and competing in horse races at the local county fair.
Kathy attended elementary school in Brookdale, Manitoba, and later high school in Neepawa. While her brothers played hockey, Kathy pursued figure skating, displaying the same dedication and discipline that would later define her horsemanship.
Shortly after graduating, Kathy moved to the United States to pursue a career training and showing horses. She spent time in Aspen, Colorado, completing an apprenticeship with a horse trainer, while periodically traveling back and forth to Canada. During this time, she bred horses, showed competitively, learned professional training techniques, and learned the art of building saddles. It was also during these years that she discovered one of her lifelong passions, teaching others through riding lessons.
While traveling back to Canada, Kathy stopped to visit friends in Piedmont, South Dakota. During her stay in the Piedmont and Rapid City area, she met the love of her life, Darcy. They were married for 27 years and made their home together in Piedmont, where they raised their two children, Jordan and Jean. Her kids were her pride and joy. She spent many hours with her children, instilling in them the same love for horses.Â
Together, Kathy and Darcy founded Smokin’ 44 Performance Horses, training side by side. Kathy was known not only for her exceptional horsemanship but also for crafting numerous stunning, high-quality trophy saddles for competitions. While raising her children, Kathy made a lasting impact on their lives and on the surrounding horse community. She devoted much of her time to training horses and giving riding lessons, often to people who became lifelong friends.
Kathy’s Christian faith was deeply important to her. Her relationship with God was strong and central to her life. She was one of the most caring, loving, and talented people. She has now been reunited with her Lord and Savior, her beloved husband, parents, brothers, many other loved ones and cherished animals in heaven.
As written in Proverbs 31:28–31, her children and husband rise up and call her blessed, praising her wisdom, strength, and kindness.
Kathy was preceded in death by her husband, Darcy, Parents Joe and Jean, brothers Bernard and Dennis.
She is survived by her son, Jordan; her daughter, Jean; her brothers, Bob, Joe, and Larry; and numerous beloved family members and friends.
A Celebration of Life will take place at Lifeway Church in Rapid City on February 7th at 11:00 a.m., with lunch provided.
