Karen Ann Schmoe

Karen Ann Schmoe passes away peacefully on May 14, 2026, at her home in Baldwin City Kansas surrounded by the love of family and the memories of life beautifully lived. Born on April 29, 1958, in Ottawa, Kansas, Karen lived a life filled with compassion, laughter, hard work, and unwavering devotion to those she loved most.

A graduate of Ottawa High School’s Class of 1976, Karen was known throughout her life for her caring heart and strong work ethic. Her professional journey reflected the many ways she cared for others. She worked for Butlers Florist, as an inspector for King Radio, worked alongside her sister-in-law Vicki in real estate, worked for MarketShare and lovingly cared for her mother. Later, she brought comfort and kindness to families through her work at Casey’s and trinity Home Health. No matter where life took her, Karen left an impression through her warmth, generosity, and genuine empathy.

On June 18, 1983, Karen marries the love of her life, David “Dave” Schmoe. Together, they built a beautiful life centered around love, laughter, loyalty, and endless memories. Karen and Dave lovingly called each other “My Hunny Bunny” a nickname that perfectly reflected the playful and deep affection they shared throughout their marriage. Whether at home together or riding motorcycles across the country side-by-side, Karen cherished every adventure and moment spent with her “My Hunny Bunny”.

Karen’s greatest joy in life was her family. Though she never had children of her own, she lovingly cared for her fourteen nieces and nephews and countless great nieces and nephews. Her love for them was unconditional and nurturing. Among those many children, she had a very special bond with her brother’s four girls who she loving referred to as “her girls”. She celebrated their accomplishments, comforted them through hardships, and filled their lives with laughter, encouragement and countless cherished memories and never left without saying “I love you to the moon and back”. To them she was far more than an aunt-she was a second mother, best friend, and constant source of love.

She was the cherished daughter of the late Raymond and Betty (Brumley) Brooks. Karen is lovingly remembered by her husband Dave; her brother Gordon Brooks (Vicki); sisters Susan Hathaway and Julie Bugner (Jerry); sisters-in-law Ginger Millbern and Jeanette Millbern; along with many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family and dear friends whose lives she touched deeply.

Karen had a gift for making people feel loved, and nowhere was that more evident than in her kitchen. She was an incredible baker whose treats became legendary among family and friends. Her famous chocolate crinkle cookies, homemade butterscotch pudding, and countless other desserts were made with love and shared generously. Dave especially looked forward to the fresh homemade cookies Karen lovingly packed in his lunchbox each day-one of the many ways she showed her love and devotion to her “My Hunny Bunny”.

A visitation honoring Karen’s life will be held on May 20, 2026, from 6pm-8pm at Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory St, Ottawa, Kansas. Celebration of Life will be held 2pm-6pm, Saturday, May 23, 2026 at the VFW Post 5901, 3599 US 59 Hwy, Ottawa, Kansas.

Karen’s life was a beautiful example of love, kindness, strength, and devotion. Though her presence will be deeply missed, the love she poured into her family and friends will continue to live on in every treasured memory, every shared story, and every batch of homemade cookies baked with love.

To share your memories of Karen or to send a special condolence message to her family, please visit the guestbook below.