Karen Diane Smith

Karen Diane Smith obituary, Bedford, VA

Karen Diane Smith

Karen Smith Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service - Bedford on Dec. 31, 2025.
Karen Diane Smith, of Bedford, a beloved wife of 54 years, mother, and grandmother, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Sunday 12/28/2005. She worked as an Administrative Aide for Fallwell Well and retired from there after 47 years of service.

Diane was lovingly cared for in the final years of her disease by her devoted daughter Kimberly, son-in-law Jeremy, and devoted caretaker and friend Rhonda Setter.

A special thank you to Good Samaritan Hospice caregivers Jennie, Lynda, Thyra, Shana, and Susan for their love and care during the last year of her life making sure she was comfortable and always putting a smile on her face.

The family would also like to thank her overnight caregivers Tracey, Angel, Allison, Yolanda, Megan, and Rae for watching over her and ensuring she was safe and comfortable.

She is survived by her husband, Wilbert Gene Smith; her sister Linda Breedlove; her children, Kimberly and Jeremy Krantz, and Shawn and Susan Smith; and also her grandchildren, Matthew Krantz, Quentin Smith, and Nicholas Smith. She is preceded in death by her parents Leon and Virginia Parris as well as her brother Adrian Parris.

Diane will be remembered for her kindness, her love, and the deep devotion she showed to her family. She was a lover of all animals and cared for many pets over the years. Her warmth and gentle spirit will be cherished always.

A memorial service will not be held at this time. In lieu of flowers, the family ask for donations be made to the Bedford County Humane Society (https://bchsonline.org/).

Arrangements are being handled by Updike Funeal Home & Cremation Service, Bedford.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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Misha Mercury

January 3, 2026

Diane was like a surrogate mom to me for many years, especially throughout my tough teen years and difficulties with my own parents. She was always a kind, empathetic person to come to, and was the "fun mom" I needed sometimes. I will always remember our shared love of The Beatles and her getting me into Toto, as well. She was just so fun and cool and nice to be around. She will be sorely missed. I hope that maybe she'll also come around and check over me sometime, in spirit too. It would be welcomed. Thanks for all the years and memories, mom.

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Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service - Bedford

1140 West Lynchburg-Salem Turnpike (Rt 221/460), Bedford, VA 24523-1803

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