Karen Smith, 71, lifelong resident of Hereford, passed away on Monday, December 29, 2025, in Dimmitt, Texas.
Karen was born on June 21, 1954, in Hereford, Texas to Calvin and Anna (King) Edwards. Karen attended and excelled in school in Hereford; she was a part of the 1972 Hereford High School graduating class. Karen met Monty Smith on the first day of their sophomore year of High School at lunch; it was love at first sight. Karen and Monty married on June 1, 1971, they have been in love and inseparable for the last 54 ½ years.
Karen took great pride in her career, dedicating thirty years to First Bank Southwest of Hereford. She retired as Vice President and appreciated the many job titles she held at the bank throughout the years. Karen was elected and served six years as Deaf Smith County Treasurer. She valued her jobs and the joy of serving and helping others. Karen was a member of the Hereford Pilot Club, the Hereford Chambers of Commerce, serving as the Chamber President for a term, and Future Homemakers of America.
Karen and Monty spent forty years performing in the gospel band “Calvary” alongside their close friends Chuck and Peggy Danley and Darla Parks. Together, they toured with the Easter Opry Road Show and held numerous benefit concerts, church performances, and shows at senior centers and nursing homes.
Karen excelled at cooking and baking, making every holiday and birthday memorable for her kids and family. She deeply cherished her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and puppy dogs. Alongside Monty, she enjoyed motorcycle trips through neighboring states such as Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Colorado. Karen was a people person— kind-hearted, generous, and well-versed in local, state, and government politics. She devotedly served her family, others, and Christ, living up to the words: “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:21 She is preceded in death by her parents, Calvin and Anna Edwards, sister Nancy Jesko, and brother Wayne Edwards.
Those left to carry on her legacy are her beloved husband, Monty Smith of Hereford, Texas; son Tate Smith and his wife Paige of Atlanta, Georgia; daughter Barbara Smith of Fort Smith Arkansas; four grandchildren, Maddox and Hudson Smith and Keegan and Karson Ramirez; two great granddaughters, Kayleen and Jaylee Ramirez; sister Jan Brorman and her husband Butch of Hereford, Texas; her pup Caramel; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A Celebration of Life Service in honor of Karen will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at 10:00 AM at the First Baptist Church of Hereford with Dr. Nathan Adams officiating. Arrangements and Cremation Services have been entrusted to Mendez and Mullins Family Funeral Home of Hereford.