Karen Marie Relph

Karen Marie (Smith) Relph passed away peacefully with her family by her side on May 8, 2024, in Chariton, Iowa. A visitation will be held from 10:00-11:00 a.m. on Monday, May 13, 2024, at Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Chariton. Karen will be laid to rest in Cambria Cemetery following the visitation. 
 
Karen was born in Oakland, California on January 1, 1942, to Walter and Olga (Miller) Smith. She graduated from Oakland High School in 1958. She was a homemaker for many years and was also an avid gardener and landscaper. Karen married Warren Relph on February 14, 2006. They loved traveling and spent many winters in the Rio Grande Valley as “Winter Texans.” Karen loved reading and adored her beloved cats. More than anything else, Karen loved her family.

Karen is survived by her husband, Warren Relph of Cambria; her children: Tammy (Terry) Watts of Chickasha, OK; Kenneth (Teri) Barber of Salida, CA; and Linda Piccinini of  Manteca, CA; her stepchildren: Dwaine (Karen) Relph of Groveland, IL; Darla (Scott) Clark of Cambria, IA; Donna Blackstock of Cambria, IA; and Daren (Dustria) Relph of Corydon, IA; 17 grandchildren; and 33 great grandchildren. 

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, and her sister, Marjorie Franklin.  

Memorials in Karen’s name may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association.