Karen Smith

Karen L. Smith, age 64, of New Philadelphia entered into rest on February 17, 2023 at Community Hospice Truman House after a sudden illness.

Born on July 11, 1958 in Dover, she was a daughter of William and Goldie (Horn) Murphy.

She worked in factories for several years, before asking her husband if she could take a short vacation.  That 20 plus year vacation was the best of her life raising her family and enjoying spending time at home with her sons and grandkids.  She also loved animals and music.

Karen is survived by her husband, James Smith, whom she married on November 17, 1978; her children, Matthew (Ashlee Kurtz) Smith of Uhrichsville and Benjamin (Amanda Ulrich) Smith of New Philadelphia; grandchildren, Matilda Smith, Rowen Smith and one on the way; mother, Goldie Gardner; step-father, Greg Gardner; siblings, Dean (Sally) Murphy, Melanie (Carl) VonAllman and Margaret “Maggie” Gilland; nephews, Ryan (Joanna) Rufener, Sean (William Hughes) Rufener, and Carl VonAllman III; and many special friends.

She is preceded in death by her father, William Murphy; brother-in-law, Mike Gilland; and nephew, Gregory VonAllman.

Cremation care has been entrusted to Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home and Crematory.  A celebration of Karen’s life will be held at a later time.

The family requests that memorial contributions be in Karen’s memory to either Tuscarawas County Humane Society 1432 Tall Timbers Rd NE, New Philadelphia, OH 44663 or Community Hospice 716 Commercial Ave. SW, New Philadelphia, OH 44663.