Karen Rita Schmitt

Our devoted wife, mother and grandmother, Karen Schmitt, left this life peacefully, for her heavenly home, on Tuesday, January 23rd  2024, at Scottsdale Osborn Medical Center.  Karen was born, March 4th, 1947, in Nashville, KS. daughter, to Elmer and Irene Spade. 

At the age of 11, Karen moved to Phoenix, AZ. with her parents and 10 siblings, where she attended grade school at St. Agnes and graduated high school at St. Mary’s, ultimately earning an Associate’s degree in Psychology, at Scottsdale Community college at the age of 40.

Our amazing mother was a dedicated homemaker, who loved to cook and bake, spoiling us with hot breakfast meals before school without fail, and held a Sunday homemade pizza tradition that carried on for years. We won’t talk about the Chop Suey, though, because let’s face it, no one likes it! She was a well respected Girl Scout leader, homeroom mom and volunteered for many church and school events for all three of us. In the early years, if you didn’t see her on the golf course, slowly but surely out playing her husband, Chuck, you would find her on the tennis court, handling herself like a Pro!

Her creativity, certainly didn’t take a back seat to the athletic side, as she was also a gifted painter, seamstress, quilter and was quite the all around crafty girl! There were many lucky recipients of her holiday themed, wood craft items that are proudly displayed year in and year out.  She also had an uncanny way of not being able to pass up a casino without heading in for a few pulls on a slot machine, where more often than not, she beat the house.

She had a generous heart of gold, known to many, when she would bring a home cooked meal over just because, and taught us from an early age, how to give back, as it was a normal practice in our home to make several extra pumpkin pies at Thanksgiving and then take a car ride to deliver them to St. Vincent de Paul.  She was an incredible example of faith and family, ensuring we attended church every Sunday, even when we were on vacation, she would find a way…..I promise you, we weren’t getting out of it.

Later on, she would find the joy in gardening with her 6 grandchildren, who harvested and ate more than they brought in the house to cook, but they all hold those memories close in their hearts.  Spending time with Gramma K was everything to them, as they found her hilarious and sweet in everything she did and said. 

Karen spent many good times “wine-ing” with the Creekettes, at their cabin in Christopher Creek, which they have enjoyed for over 30 years. 

Karen is survived by her husband: Charles J. Schmitt, her three children; Gina Anthony (Dale), Cynthia Copenhaver (Karl) and Marc Schmitt, her six grandchildren; Ellie Anthony, Emma Anthony, Katherine Anthony, Zachary Quinn (Samantha), Jacob Quinn, Lukas Quinn; her mother, Irene Spade and Karen’s five brothers, five sisters and their spouses.

Contributions can be made in Karen's loving memory to Phoenix Children's Hospital by clicking here and indicating the tribute gift is in memory of Karen Schmitt. You may also simply put “Karen Schmitt” in the “Notes about your gift”, Alternatively, you may send a check to Phoenix Children's Foundation, 2929 E. Camelback Rd., #122, Phoenix, AZ 85016 (if sending snail mail, please make sure to include "Karen Schmitt" in the memo line of the check). Thank you so much! 

Mass will be held on Friday, February 2, 2024 at 10 A.M. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, 7655 E Main St, Scottsdale, AZ 85251.