Karen Sue Smith

"This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."

Psalm 118:24

     Karen Sue Smith, 75, of Kansas City, MO, passed away Monday, October 20, 2025, at Centerpoint Medical Center in Independence, MO.  She was born on August 27, 1950, in Chickasha, OK, to Homer D. and Virginia L. Spiers.  Karen attended kindergarten through 7th grade in Temple City, CA, and the 8th through 12th grade in Independence, MO.  She graduated in the Truman High School class of 1968.  Karen continued her education attending Graceland College in Lamoni, IA, for her freshman and sophomore years before transferring to the University of Missouri in Columbia to study and complete her four years of higher learning.  She graduated from M.U. with a Bachelor of Science degree in Fashion Merchandising in 1972.

     Following graduation, Karen married Gregory K. Smith on August 20, 1972.  To this marriage three children were born: twins, Kendra and Joshua, and Lindsay.

     Karen worked in downtown Kansas City at Adler's, a retail women's fashion store, as an assistant buyer for five years until the twins were born.  After their birth, she gave up her professional career to become a full-time mother and homemaker.

     Karen was a member of the Community of Christ church.  She attended the Temple City (CA), Gudgell Park (Independence, MO), Eastview (Kansas City, MO), Raytown (MO), and Good Shepherd (Kansas City, MO) congregations throughout the different stages of her life.

     Karen's interests were many and varied.  Some of her favorites were sewing, fabrics, tai chi, and solving jigsaw puzzles.  She taught herself how to operate the computer and became very proficient using it to manage her home and family.

     Karen is survived by her husband, Greg, of the home; her children: Kendra Porter (Dan) of Oak Grove, MO, Joshua Smith (Michelle) of Houston, TX, and Lindsay Wright (Scotty) of Gastonia, NC; six grandchildren: Andrew and Austin Porter, Abby and Elle Smith, and Madalynn and S.J. Wright; her mother, Virginia Spiers of Independence, MO (now deceased - 11/11/2025); her siblings: Scott Spiers (Erlinda) of Lee's Summit, MO and Kent Spiers (Debbie) of Kansas City, MO; niece, Lea Spiers of Lee's Summit, MO; and brother-in-law, Doug Smith of Chariton, IA; and many cousins and their families.

     Karen was preceded in death by her father, Homer D. Spiers.

     A memorial service will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at Good Shepherd Community of Christ church, 4341 Blue Ridge Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64133.  The family will greet friends from 9:00 AM to service time at Good Shepherd.  Final resting will be held at Rose Hill Cemetery in Lamoni, IA at 2:30 PM.

     The family would like to express their gratitude to all for their outpouring of prayers and loving support during this time.