Karen Rae Smith, 74, of Topeka, passed away Friday, July 7, 2023.

She was born June 29, 1949, in Kansas City, Missouri, the daughter of Raymond and Twila (Spencer) Morrow. She graduated from Topeka High School in 1967 and attended Allen County Community College.

Karen was employed as an administrative assistant by Duffens Optical and the Kansas Attorney General, among others.

Ms. Smith was a member of the Community Church of Topeka. She was the president of Women’s Aglow and of Women’s Aglow Juniors and a member of the Red Hat Club.

Karen married Alan Dwayne Smith on November 16, 1968 at Assumption Church in Topeka. He survives, along with their children Amy Smith of Fayetteville, AR, Derek Smith of Topeka, Joseph Smith of Omaha, NE; grandchildren Rachael, Mason, Devin, Ashton, Daniel, and Eileen; great-grandchildren Lilian, Ryker, Daniel, and Elana; sister Lorita McCart and brother Steve Morrow. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Karen enjoyed working, cooking, painting, and crafts. She enjoyed doing volunteer work at Atria and watching her husband care for plants and flowers. She loved taking pictures and sharing them with others and going to Lake Shawnee to watch the geese. Country-western dancing and teaching others to dance was a big part of her life. She loved to bargain hunt. She loved babies and would talk to every baby she saw.

Karen was cremated. A memorial ceremony will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 17th at Community Church at 1819 W 21st Street in Topeka. The family will meet friends for half an hour before the service at the church. Private interment will be at West Lawn Memorial Gardens in Topeka.

Flowers may be sent to the funeral home prior to the day of the service.

Dove Cremations and Funerals Southwest Chapel is assisting the family.

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