Karen Irene Smith, 76, slipped away at 11:00 p.m. Saturday, January 19, 2019 at her residence to continue her journey with her Lord.

Karen was born October 20, 1942 in Alton. Her parents Jacob Ansell and Helen (Ferrell) Gray received a big surprise, Karen was not alone. It seems there were two babies, a brother, Laren.

On April 14, 1962 Karen and David Roland Smith were married in East Alton. David passed away January 22, 2014.

Karen worked for several years in housekeeping at Wood River Hospital. Karen then worked in the Activity Department at Elder Care of Alton, (now Integrity) retiring in October of 2015 after 28 years.

Survivors include one daughter and son-in-law, Betheny S. Burney and Steve of Ellenwood, Georgia; one son, John David Smith of East Alton; five grandchildren, Kyle Burney and his wife Bridgette of Georgia, Courtney Smith, Neva Lorraine "Lorie" Rogers and her husband Jimmy, Makayla Hodge and her husband Elijah, Emily Smith, all of Kentucky; six great-grandchildren, Alexis, Ethan, Isaac, Wyatt Jensen all of Kentucky, Gabby, Hunter of Georgia; one sister, Susan D. Gray of East Alton; two sisters-in-law, Deborah Gray of Crane, MO, Janice Gray of Wood River. Several nieces, nephews and great nieces, nephews.

Besides her husband David and parents, Karen was preceded in death by two brothers, Laren and Glen Gray; daughter-in-law, Cindy Smith.

Karen was a member of First Family Church in East Alton, formerly First General Baptist Church, for 57 years.

Karen was a woman who gave of herself to help others. While working at Integrity they would have bake sales. Karen would bake dozens of cookies, pies, cakes, loafs of bread such as zucchini, pumpkin and banana. Even after she retired she baked 2 or 3 times for the residents and took meals to family and friends. She loved to quilt and has made quilts for all her family the only thing that interfered with her quilting was her little dog Aries. He loved for her to sit and hold him and for Susan to scratch his back. She will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her.

We will be celebrating Karen's life at 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. service time, January 22, 2019 at First Family church in East Alton. Pastor Randy Vollmar and Rev. Stephen Gray (Karen's nephew) will officiate.

Burial will be private.

Memorials may be given to the church.