Karen Sue Smith

Karen Sue Smith, 70, of Winter Haven passed away Sunday September 4, 2016 in her home after losing her battle to ALS.

Born October 15, 1945 in Minneapolis, MN, she moved to FL in 1956 to Redington Beach and graduated from Largo High School in 1963. She moved to Winter Haven in 1977. Her strong will to survive and her loyal and loving support of many close friends and family allowed her to live her remaining months in her home. Remembered for her loving, caring patience and nurturing spirit as a quilting teacher. Most of her time was spent giving back to her community through the Auburndale Community Church, Heart to Heart Quilt Shop and the Winter Haven High School, where she was recognized as the Outstanding Senior Volunteer of the Year in 2015. Karen was a retired equipment technician for GTE/Verizon. She enjoyed sewing and quilting, Indy 500 racing and was an avid Notre Dame Fan.

Survivors include her daughter, Leigh Ann Acken of Port Charlotte; son, Jarrod Smith of Duncan, SC; son, John Covington of Atlanta, GA; brother, Bruce Thompson of The Villages, FL and 8 grandchildren.

The family will receive friends from 4:00PM until service time at 5:00PM, Saturday, September 10, 2016 at the Auburndale Community Church, 601 Stadium Road, Auburndale, FL 33823.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the ALS Association FL Chapter and Good Shepherd Hospice of Auburndale, FL.