Karen Joy Schmitz died peacefully Monday April 14, 2025, in her room at Tonganoxie Terrace, where she lived following a stroke in August of 2021 when she lost the use of her right side.
Visitation for Karen Schmitz, 71, of Lawrence, will be from 12:00 PM-1:30 PM at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home on Monday, April 21, 2025. Graveside service will begin at 2:30 PM at Eudora City Cemetery, 2223 N 1420 Rd., Eudora, KS.
She was born November 21, 1953, in Ottawa, KS, the daughter of Carl and Gail Converse.
Karen married Richard (Jack) Schmitz August 13, 1971 in Centropolis, KS. She is survived by her husband, Jack Schmitz, daughter Elizabeth Schmitz, grandson Quentin Mitchell, mother Gail Converse, and brother Danny Converse. She was preceded in death by her brother Kirk Converse, grandmother Vivian Powers, and her father, Carl Converse.
Karen moved with her husband, Jack, to Lawrence, KS in 1971. She worked for a few years at Hallmark Cards. After leaving Hallmark, she devoted her life to caring for her family. She loved living in Lawrence and taking in all of the local color. For many years, Karen enjoyed attending the Maple Leaf Festival, looking at quilts and shopping for crafts. She enjoyed collecting wicker baskets and antiquing with her mom. In her later years, she found joy collecting jewelry. She had a zest for life and exuded love everywhere she went. She was a fierce supporter of her daughter, Elizabeth, and frequented events at Lawrence High School and Emporia State University. Friends and family were always welcome in her home. She thoroughly loved the years she was able to live with her grandchild when he was young. Being a grandma to Quentin was one of her greatest joys in life.
The family suggests memorial contributions to the American Diabetes Association, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral home: PO Box 1260 Oak Hill Ave, Lawrence, KS 66044. Online condolences may be sent at www.rumsey-yost.com.
Jack and Elizabeth, I am sorry to hear about Karen’s passing. I have often wondered how Karen was doing – especially when driving by the house on Ohio Street. We had lost contact and I had tried calling your home number a few times and left a message over the years. I have many fond memories of our time spent together as families. I especially remember when Karen and I would get to go into KC to quilts shows. I will be praying for God’s nearness and comfort in the coming weeks and months.
Jack and family, I am so sorry to hear of Karen’s passing. May she rest in peace, and the thoughts and prayers for you will be a comfort.
Jack and Elizabeth and family, Hugh and I are so sorry for your loss.
Our condolences, Jack and Elizabeth.
Jack and Elizabeth , I am so sorry for the loss of Karen ,she was an amazing , sweet lady with so much love for her family .
Jack and family, my condolences for you all
JACK & ELIZABETH & Family, Jean & I both are saddened by your loss & Karens passing. Going back a few years – OK, A LOT of years, when We all still worked @ HALLMARK & she used be my BOW FEEDER down in Bows ( about 1971 to 74 ? ) when we were on third shift… Despite all of our sometimes sleepy nights on the job, she could still work up some happy chit chat & had good sense of humor😅… FAST forward a few years, and once again we were all united as brothers & sisters at the OLD MUSTARD SEED… GOD is there with you…
Dave & Jean Affalter
Jack and family..I am so sorry for your loss of Karen. So happy to have had the opportunity to reconnect with you. May your hearts be soothed with God’s great comfort as you traverse this difficult time.
Elizabeth you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. You had an amazing mom who loved all. She will be missed but hold tight to the memories and stories for she will live on thru your memories. Love and hugs to you in your time of heartache.