Karen Su Smith
July 6, 1952- November 25, 2024
Karen (Ballinger) Smith, 72, of Anderson, IN passed away at Community Hospital in Anderson on Monday, November 25, 2024.
She was born on July 6, 1952 in Hamilton, Ohio, the daughter of Verlon and Dorothy (Caldwell) Ballinger. Karen was a 1970 graduate of Taft High School in Hamilton, and continued her studies at Anderson College –BA and Ball State University – MA in Education. She taught school in Kenya, East Africa for two and a half years and was an elementary teacher in the Frankton-Lapel School District for 26 years.
Karen retired in 2015 and enjoyed the last nine years traveling the world with her husband,Dean, and remained active by volunteering at Conner Prairie Living History Museum, Mounds State Park, Anderson University, and the Park Place Church of God food pantry. She was also active in many other groups and organizations. She was always willing to step in and help whenever she saw a need.
Karen wants everyone to know that her best decisions in life included accepting Jesus Christ, marrying Dean, having Cory and Carmen, and becoming a teacher. All four decisions brought her joy throughout her entire life and saw her through all of the tough times. She looks forward to the eternal life promised to her.
Karen attended East Side Church of God and Park Place Church of God.
Karen is survived by her husband, Dean Smith, whom she married August 26, 1972; her two children, Cory (Beth) Smith of Anchorage, AK, Dr. Carmen Smith of St. Louis, MO, and her sister Aimee (Pete) Rissi of Charlotte, NC.
She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Gordon Ballinger.
A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, December 14 at 4:00 pm at Park Place Church of God in Anderson. Visitation with the family will be held from 1:00 to 4:00 at the church.
Memorial contributions may be given to the National Ataxia Foundation or the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.
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