Karen Rae (Simonsen) Smith

Karen Rae Simonsen Smith left us for her heavenly home January 16th, 2022, to join 2 of her siblings (Bonnie & Archie Simonsen), her parents Max and Iona Simonsen, and 3 angel great grand-babies.

Karen was born June 21, 1952 in Murray UT. Being one of six children Karen was raised in a home full of love, hard work, and laughter.

Karen attended Manti High and was very proud to be a Templar. Throughout her high school days she was a member of the Manti Drill Team, where she  performed at sporting events. Karen was very academically gifted and was always one of the best. Karen was friends with everyone and anyone loved to be around her because she genuinely cared about them.

After graduating from high school Karen met Lee Sorensen at a Snow College dance. They later married and had 6 children together: Mike (Linda), Michelle, Lisa, Shane (Ashley), Tyler (Cynthia), and Mallory (Kayla); Karen was a wonderful mother, and managed to keep up with her kids while she worked in the South Sanpete School District for many years, she loved every minute of it.

Karen was able to upgrade her title of mother to grandmother, having 18 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, and quite a few grand pups. Karen taught her posterity the value of hard work, integrity, service, and how to be Christ like, but most of all how to love unconditionally.  She served in many positions for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day-Saints. Karen loved spending time playing with her grand-kids, gardening, scrap booking, treating herself to ice cream, and just resting her eyes for a moment. Because of her many talents, Karen, in 1986, was honored by receiving the ‘Homemaker of The Year Award’.  Above all Karen loved her family more then anything.

Karen spent the last part of her life with her sweetheart Richard Smith as well as their sweet pup, Sissy, going on adventures and making their home in Mesquite NV. We truly thank Richard for loving our Karen and keeping watch of her.

Karen is survived by her siblings: Linda Sorensen, Janice Jensen, and Connie Miller.

The family invites you to leave a message or memory on their Guestbook at virginvalleymortuary.com.