Karen Lynn (Hancher) Smith , age 78 of Anderson, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023 at Ascension-St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis after a brief illness.  She was born August 16, 1945 in Elwood, the daughter of Ervin E. and Helen I. (Cloud) Hancher.  Karen was raised in Grace United Methodist Church in Elwood and graduated in 1963 from Wendell L. Willkie High School.  She worked for Guide Lamp division of General Motors in Anderson for over 16 years, and retired due to her health.  Karen was a member of the U.A.W. #663 in Anderson and a member of A.A.R.P.  She especially loved listening to Rolling Stones music and watching reruns of "Gunsmoke".  Karen also enjoyed watching several church programs on television and watching football.  She will be remembered as a good cook and a devoted mother and grandmother who will be dearly missed by her family.

Karen's family includes daughter, Shelly (husband Reddie) Henderson of Alexandria; son, Todd Alan Frazier of Anderson; brother, Donn E. (wife Barbara) Hancher of West Lafayette; 3 grandchildren, Hiedi Beaty, Nick (wife Whitney) Rowan, and Brandi Rowan; and 4 great-grandchildren.  Karen was preceded in death by her parents and 3 siblings, James Hancher, Beverly Stephens, and Kenneth Hancher.

A memorial service celebrating Karen's life will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, December 29, 2023 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Pastor Bill Johnston of Grace Community Church, officiating.  Burial will follow in the Elwood City Cemetery.  Visitation for family and friends will be held from 12 to 2 PM prior the memorial service at the funeral home.  Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.copherfeslermay.com.