Karen Lee Smith

Karen Lee Kistler Smith passed away in her Elfindale in Springfield on November 22, 2025. Born to Mildred Christian and Raymond C. Kistler on August 3, 1942, in Ritchey, Missouri, Karen loved helping her parents in the general store and post office they ran. She graduated from Midway High School in 1960. She married James Allman in 1961 and joyously brough two children into this world: James Ray (1962) and Sara Leann Allman (1967). While a wife and mother, Karen completed her BSE at Southwest Missouri State College (now MSU) in Springfield. The family moved to Springfield, where she began her thirty-eight-year career as a teacher, then later moved to Carthage where she also taught.

Karen moved with Sara to Oklahoma 1973 where she continued to teach in Moore and Norman Schools. Karen married James Smith in August 1975, and they recently celebrated their Fiftieth anniversary. After retiring from Oklahoma Schools, Karen and Jim moved back to Springfield where she continued her teaching career until 2000 when she retired the second time.

While living in Norman, the couple owned The Peddler Shop, an antique store they ran until 1999. Karen and Jim purchased Yesteryears Antique Mall in Ozark Missouri and operated the mall until her illness in 2017. Karen's experience in her parents' store fostered her enthusiasm for operating her antique mall as she enjoyed meeting people and sharing her love of antiques with others.

After her surgery to remove a substantial brain tumor in January 2017 Karen's life became challenging. Experiencing two series of radiation treatments and hours of multiple kinds of therapy, she was persistent and an inspiration to all who worked with her and for her. Her smile lit up a room and invigorated doctors, nurses, therapists, caregivers, friends and loved ones.

Karen was well known for her other interests as well. She was an outstanding cook, and made her signature apple, chocolate crème, and fresh peach pies as often as she could. Her beautiful flower beds were another of her passions. She also collected an array of antiques including Tea Leaf Ironstone, Blye and White Stoneware, Fiesta ware, Cupid photos, old samplers, quilts and pie vents.

Her greatest pleasures were her grandchildren: Josh, Austin, Jordon, and Andrew Lucas; Jacob Allman and step grandchildren: Shana Nooner, Ethan Smith, Abby and Benjain Smith. In more recent years, they were joined by four great-grandchildren.

Karen is survived by her beloved sister, Linda Ray, of Macon, Missouri, Also surviving are many nieces and nephews. Her husband, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren also survive her. Missing her dearly will be her adored cat, Peaches.

Deep gratitude goes to all who served Karen in her many different phases of illness, and with a range of specialties. There are too many to list here but special recognition to their loving and skilled care are Heather Cornman, Alexandria Cardillo, and Mackenzie Kendrick. The entire team at The Good Shepherd Hospice deserves accolades for providing loving and quality care and support. Her doctors, nurses, therapists and other support allowed Karen her one wish: to be able to stay in her home as long as possible.

Visitation is planned for Thursday, December 4, 2025 from 1:00-2:00 pm at Greenlawn Funeral Home, North followed by a service at 2:00 pm also in the funeral home. She will be laid to rest following at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations may be made to Ozark Food Harvest or your favorite food pantry