Karen Sells Smith

TOLEDO-Karen Lou Sells Smith, 79, of Toledo, passed away Friday, June 20, 2025 at the Iowa River Hospice Home in Marshalltown. Funeral Services will be held Monday, June 23, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Kruse-Phillips Funeral Home in Tama. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Toledo. Visitation will be held Monday, June 23, 2025 from 9-11 AM prior to the funeral at the funeral home.

Karen was born on September 30, 1945, in Toledo, Iowa, the daughter of Rex and Fern (Christensen) Sells. She was the youngest of five children. She started her education in the country and graduated in 1963 from South Tama Schools.

On August 25, 1963, she was united in marriage to Kenny E. “Red” Smith at Pleasant Hill Methodist Church in rural Toledo, Iowa. He was the absolute love of her life!

Karen was employed as a secretary most of her life at numerous businesses in Tama County, retiring in 2006 as Deputy City Clerk of Toledo.

Her main joys in life were her three children, her grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Karen was a wonderful artist and loved her flowers. She was so proud of her tomatoes and she loved music and old movies.

Survivors include her children, Kenne Hoskey of Toledo, Kelly (Heather) Smith of Toledo, and Kandice (Tim) Hendricks of Gladbrook; grandchildren, Keaten Hoskey (Naudia Hill) of Dike, Kamryn Hoskey (Isaiah Hirschman) of Ames, Kourtne (Keaton) Klocko of Norwalk, Kolton (Nicole) Smith of Urbandale, Reese (Payton) Nesler of Ankeny, Kainen Hendricks (Kate Sams) of Grundy Center, Kaleb Hendricks (Hailey Smith) of New Hartford, and Kloie Hendricks (Lucas Hurley) of Cedar Falls; great grandchildren, Krew and Kenna Klocko of Norwalk, Koa Smith of Urbandale, and Kayson Hendricks of New Hartford; her sisters, Gail Davis of Marshalltown, and Kay Purvis of Gladbrook; sister-in-law, Rosie Lacina of Tama.

Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, Kenny “Red” Smith on October 2, 2006; her sister, Sue Mathes in 1977; her brother, Ray Sells; brothers-in-law, Lowell Davis, Paul Purvis, and Michael Smith; sisters-in-law, Linda Sells, and Mary Timm; niece, Keely Lacina; and nephew, Marvin Sells.

A memorial fund will be established.