The Lord took Karma Smith home to His heavenly Glory on Wednesday, July 22nd. We look to Jesus’ mercy and comforts during this difficult time. Please keep Jim and Shirley and Jerry, Jessica, Andrew and all her family and friends in your prayers.
A funeral service will be held at Zion on Friday, August 7th, at 11:30a.m. (MST) . The service will be live streamed here on this page, on YouTube, and on Facebook. You may also attend the funeral in person. Seating in the church sanctuary is limited. If you wish to attend, please RSVP by calling 915.566.4667, or email: zionlutheransecretary@gmail.com. We will then inform you if space is available.
Service Livestream and Bulletin
Service Bulletin here
Smartphone-friendly bulletin here
Obituary
Karma Lynn Anderson was born on April 9, 1941 in Reno, Nevada – the youngest child of Walter and Ella Anderson. She was raised in Reno with a loving relationship to her many extended family and close friends. Karma attended the University of Nevada – Reno in September 1959, where, on her first day of college, she met the love of her life, Jim Smith, in a social dance PE class. Karma and Jim were married on June 22, 1963. Shortly thereafter, they became an “Army Family” and began an amazing 30-year military career full of worldwide adventures. They had several tours at Fort Bliss, which led to a decision to stay in El Paso after their retirement from the Army in 1994. Karma had a full life built around her Faith, her Family, her Friends, and her Community. If you knew Karma, you loved Karma, and she loved you. She was an accomplished artist and loved to draw and paint. She was also a very active member of Zion Lutheran Church in El Paso for over 35 years. Karma had a strong faith and was devoted to her Lord Jesus. She had a massive stroke on July 21, 2020 and her Lord called her home the next day. She will be remembered for her love of family and friends, her warm personality, and her sense of humor. It is difficult to think of a time when she did not have a smile on her face. Karma was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Shirley. She is survived by her loving husband, Jim Smith; her brother, Walter Anderson (Sheryl); her daughter, Shirley Batts (Jerry); her grandchildren Jessica Batts and Andrew Batts, her bonus grandchildren, Melissa Reifman (Jason) and Amanda Batts; and her six Godchildren – Paul Anderson (Tracy), Mark Anderson (Laura), David Anderson, Stephen Anderson (Ete’), Mary Lynn Bliven and Charles Rotche’ (Sharlee).
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be sent to Zion Lutheran Church in honor of Karma Smith.
Jim I’m so sorry for your loss. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. May God give you strength and healing during this trying time. 🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻
Smith Family, Kathy and I are so sorry for your loss. Karma was a very special person and will always hold a special place in our hearts. She always treated us like part of the family and we molded our own command team actions after those of Mim and Karma. We have you on our prayers. Kathy and Jeff Cobb.
Colonel Jim Smith and family;
I was sorry to hear about Karma. I know this was sudden and unexpected. We don’t know how the Lord works or why things happen as they do. We do know however, that Karma is now in his kingdom and most certainly in His loving care. Please know, that he rest of us in Zion church’s family, pray that the Lord will comfort you at this very sorrowful time.
Sincerely,
James Skipper
What a wonderful service that was to remember Karma. Wish I were there but I was glad to be able to watch it online. I love you guys very much and pray for your continued healing in Jesus name.
God bless you and your family. Focus on the good times. Be good to yourself. That’s what she would want. Noemi