Karen Smith

KAREN SMITH, loving wife to William Smith of 53 years and mother to Karill (Geoffrey) McLane, passed away on Friday, April 30, 2021 at the age of 73. Karen was born November 11, 1947 in Pigeon, Michigan to Robert and Mildred Bechler. She grew up with 6 sisters and 1 brother. She married William on her birthday in 1967, after a short engagement. Together they raised a daughter, Karill. Karen always had an infectious laugh and a beautiful smile. She loved to read her Bible daily and had read through the Bible over 16 times since May 2019. When she wasn't reading her Bible, she was listening to it. Karen loved to travel when she could with her husband William. They were even able to take 2 cruises, one of which included her first time flying to and seeing New York City. Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Mildred Bechler. She is survived by her husband, William; and daughter, Karill (Geoffrey); brother, Robert Bechler; 6 sisters: Rose (Peter) Houk, Bonnie Delarosa, Janet (Tom) Villarreal, Jackie (Bruce) Bailey, Yvonne Bechler, and Bobbie (David) Brown; brother-in-law, Richard (Joyce) Smith; sister-in-law, Cynthia Smith; many loving nieces/nephews, great nieces/nephews and great-great nieces/nephews that will miss her. She will also be greatly missed by her 2 aunts: Lillian Taylor and Ivory Hall; uncle: Clare (Donna) Bechler; and many cousins. At this time, cremation has taken place and a celebration of her life will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, her daughter asks that donations be made in Karen's memory to either of the following organizations: VisionPointe Assembly of God, 9444 Dodge Rd., Otisville, MI 48463 or American Diabetes Association, 2451 Crystal Drive, Suite 900, Arlington, VA 22202.