Karen Mae Smith

Karen Mae Smith, 74, of Topeka, passed away on September 7, 2025 at Stormont Vail Hospital.

Karen was born March 22, 1951 to Freeman & Mary Abel in Topeka, Kansas.

She graduated from Topeka High.

Karen enjoyed Episcopal Marriage Encounters and square dancing with her husband and her children. She enjoyed having family dinners all most every Sunday after church. Thus, having this in her whole life due to having a big family. She was the baby of 5 children in which 2 sisters still exist. She also loved spending time with her grandchildren by spending quality time with them.

On July 11, 1970 Butch & Karen (Abel) were married at North Topeka Baptist Church.

Karen was a member of Highland Park United Methodist Church in Topeka for 30 years. She worked as a medical Biller for Medical Mart until they closed.

Karen is survived by children; Deanna (Kenneth) Mahoney, William (Lindsay) Smith, and Dwayne Smith, sister; Mary (Dale) Clelland, grandchildren; Kenneth Mahoney, II., Christopher Main, Tiffany Mahoney, Dwayne Smith, II., Marissa Smith, Emma Smith, Drake Smith, and Daizey Smith.

Visitation will be held Saturday, September 13, 2025, 9:00 am. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 13, 2025, 10:00 am both at the Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home Chapel, 1321 SW 10th Ave, Topeka, Kansas 66604, with Stacey Jones, officiating.

Committal will take place following the funeral services at Memorial Park Cemetery, 3616 SW 6th Ave, Topeka, Kansas 66606.

Memorials are suggested to be made out to Penwell Gabel in care of Karen Smith.

To watch a livestream of the services please click HERE.

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