Karen (Schmalriede) Hemphill

Karen Obituary Photo

Karen (Schmalriede) Hemphill, 64, of Waco, passed away Sunday, January 15, 2023, peacefully in her home.

Memorial service: 10am Friday, January 27 at Lake Shore Funeral Home with Pastor Joyce Hall officiating.

Karen was born in Waco January 25, 1958, the daughter of the late Edward and Janet Schmalriede. She graduated from Crawford High School and attended classes thereafter at McLennan Community College, furthering her love and passion for art. She married Larry Hemphill February 17, 1982 in Waco. Karen began her working career at American Income Life and then worked as a training supervisor with the United States Postal Service where she later retired after 25 years. Shortly thereafter she fulfilled her days with what brought her the most joy in life, becoming a full time “Granna” to her three granddaughters Kade, Ryan, and Madison.

Karen is survived by her husband, Larry Hemphill; sons, Jeremy Hemphill and wife Amber, Christopher Hemphill and wife Ashley; grandchildren, Kade, Ryan, and Madison Hemphill, Lawrence Price and wife, Latasha; three sisters, Susan Ware and husband Larry, Brenda Tankersley and husband Steve, and Rita Welch; three brothers, Curtis Schmalriede and wife Lori, Kent Schmalriede and wife Lorrie, Brett Schmalriede and Kathi Quinn; along with 17 nieces, nephews and their children.

Karen had a loving spirit felt by all those who met her. She loved to paint, sketch, care for her grandchildren, and enjoyed being outside in fresh air watching sunsets and landscapes. Karen will be deeply missed by all that were blessed to know her.

Place of Service: Lake Shore Funeral Home Chapel , 5201 Steinbeck Bend; Waco, TX 76708



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Condolence Messages

  1. Condolences to you and your family from our family.
    Love ❤️
    Brenda. Greg, Shanteria and family

  2. Majors, Nelms, Massie

    To her sweet and loving family,

    The Massie family wanted to let you all know that we are praying for you all and you all have our most heartfelt condolences. We are saddened to hear of her passing. May God bless you all and keep you in his loving arms.

    Love you all,
    Debra, Billy, Gwen, and Cheryl

  3. Jo Ann and Lupe Olvera

    We are so sorry about Karen’s passing. We both worked with Karen at the Post Office. Larry you and your family will be in our prayers as you go thru this sad time.
    Jo Ann and Lupe Olvera

  4. I’m so sorry to hear of Karen’s passing. I worked with her at American Income and she was one of my favorite people. We lost touch over the years and wished we hadn’t. Prayers for all of you as you travel this sad journey.

  5. I’m so sorry to hear of this. I worked with Karen at American Income Life and enjoyed our friendship. We had a lot of good times together. I would like to extend my condolences and thoughts & prayers to all of her family. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻✝️

  6. Mildred and James Burkett

    So sorry for your loss. We will keep the family in our thoughts and prayers 🙏🙏🙏. May God comfort you in this difficult time.

  7. Eddie McDow & Mary McDow

    Larry,you and Karen have been my neighbors it seems like forever,watched your sons grow up to be men,talked to Karen off and on.Karen will be missed by all.God bless

  8. Cathy Miller Shieldes

    Brenda, Susan, Rita and brothers all, and to Larry and your family…my most sincere condolences. I knew and worked with Karen and know how much she will be missed. May you find comfort especially at this time of loss. May God rest her soul.
    From a former Crawford classmate.

  9. Lisa Fennelly Lynch

    So very sorry to read about Karen. I worked with her at American Income. She was always so friendly and laughing. I am sure she will be missed. Prayers for her family!

  10. Larry, We are so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our prayers. Darrell & Jo Anne Sharp

  11. Dollie Benner Isbell

    So sorry for your loss of Karen.

  12. Sylvia Hemphill Turner

    Larry, Jeremy, Christopher and Karen’s extended families:
    There is nothing I can say right now that would ease your pain tomorrow or the days, weeks to come. All I can offer you is the simple reminder to hold onto the memories and may Karen’s memories be a blessing to you.
    Karen is loved by so many. Keeping you lifted up in prayer.

  13. We are so sorry for the lost of Karen , we were good cousins and classmates, didn’t stay as close through the years, life took us in different directions, just another reminder we need to slow down and stay in touch with the people we love

  14. We are so sorry for the loss of your wife ,mother , and grandmother,she was a good cousin and classmate, wish we could have stayed in touch more but life took us in different directions, this is just another reminder to slow down and enjoy one another.what you will have now is the wonderful memories

  15. Michaelann,Mark and Blake Miller

    We are so very sorry for your loss. Karen was a great person! Our heartfelt condolences to Chris, Jeremy and Larry and all the family.

    Mark and Michaelann Miller
    Blake Miller

  16. Doris Schwettmann Mooney

    So sorry for your loss. Karen was greeted in Heaven by her family and friends. Prayers for family. Doris Mooney

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