Karen Sue Schmidt, aged 66, passed away on October 11, 2024, in Amarillo, Texas. Born on June 2, 1958, she lived a life characterized by humor, directness, and a boundless capacity for love, touching the lives of everyone she met with her warmth and generosity.
Karen graduated from Palo Duro High School and furthered her education at Amarillo College. She devoted over two decades of her career to Furrs and Homeland grocery stores before spending the last 26 years at Amarillo College in the Criminal Justice Department, retiring in January 2024.
She enjoyed her time as a member of the Lawndale Church of Christ, where her faith and community played a significant role in her life. Karen’s hobbies included quilting, sewing, and baking, often sharing these passions with her grandchildren. She also enjoyed playing bingo with her friends and was known for her love of scratch-off tickets. In her younger days, Karen took photography classes and cherished taking photos. She had an artistic creative mind and excelled in every endeavor she undertook.
Karen was preceded in death by her parents, J.W. and Emma O’Dell; father-in-law, Donald F. Schmidt; brother Ron O’Dell and brothers-in-law Richard Bean and Ronnie Bebout; and niece, Breezy O’Dell.
Karen leaves behind her husband, Mike Schmidt; her children, Teri McKinney (Steven) and Chris Schmidt; grandchildren, Brooke, Carter, Sophia, and Cecilia; siblings, Debbie Bean, Michelle Bebout, Mark O’Dell (Cindy), and Dewayne O’Dell, sister-in-law Ruby O’Dell. She is also survived by her mother-in-law, Yvonne Schmidt; sisters-in-law Cindy Gray (Jamie) and Sandy Jorgenson (John); brothers-in-law Terry Schmidt (Priscilla) and Scott Schmidt, along with her lifelong friend Susan Nichols (Donnie), numerous nieces and nephews, and a host of extended family and friends.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, from 6:00-8:00 p.m., at Comanche Trails Church of Christ, where a Memorial Service will also take place the following day, October 16, 2024, at 10:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Harrington Cancer and Health Foundation or a cancer charity of your choice in Karen’s memory.
To Karen’s Family,
Please know that she played such a very important role in my life when my late wife passed. I will forever be grateful for her support and assistance while I was a student at AC. Many years have passed but I will never forget how special she was to me.
Karen, you were always such a huge help in the training of 9-1-1 Telecommicators. I always enjoyed our visits and so many laughs. You’re another shining star in Heaven.
Karen is a fun part of our senior year memories and our first semester at WT. She always had a smile on her face! She will be missed. May you find comfort in your sweet memories.
To Karen’s Family,
I was blessed to speak and get know Karen. May God’s peace and love be with the family during this time.
With a loving heart,
Terri Knight
Amarillo College
She will be missed dearly. I really enjoyed working with Karen at Amarillo College. She was a great co-worker and great friend. I will miss seeing her at bingo. Heaven gained another angel. Rest in peace, Karen.
Karen you were always such a big help to me an my department. It was a pleasure getting to work with you on so many occasions. You will be greatly missed.
Haven’t seen Karen in a lot of years but we worked together at Furrs. She had a great sense of humor! She will be missed here, but I’m sure she will make heaven a better place.