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.
