Karen K. Kunkel-Smekens Friar, age 80, of rural Hartford City, IN, (Washington Twp. Blackford Co.)  passed away at 7:45 PM on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at Bluffton Regional Medical Center in Bluffton, IN.  She was born on Saturday, November 25, 1944, in Bluffton, IN. to John D. & Gladys (Neuenschwander) Kunkel.  She married Jeffery L.  Friar on Sunday, November 19, 1989 in Las Vegas, NV; he preceded her in death on January 27, 2020.

Karen was a 1962 graduate of Bluffton High School. She attended Ball State Teachers College and received a business degree in education as well as her master's degree. Karen worked for Southern Wells schools as a business teacher for 5 years, Ivy Tech in Muncie for 3 years, and at General Motors in the scheduling department for 20 years. She attended The Church at McNatt. Karen was a member of the Psi Iota XI Sorority in Bluffton and Alpha Phi Sorority at Ball State. She enjoyed gardening, traveling, spending time at the pond with her family, going to the grandkid's sporting and performing arts events, and enjoyed bowling on leagues in both Hartford City & Marion.

Karen will be forever missed by her son - Brady (Kristina) Smekens, Warren, IN, daughter - Angie (Scott) Harris, Poneto, IN, step son - Jay (Judy) Friar, Pennville, IN, stepdaughters - Teresa Dollar, Montpelier, IN, &  Jennie (Clayton) Hunter, Tampa, FL, brother - Randy (Sharon) Kunkel, Tampa, FL, 13 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband - Jeffery L. Friar, brother - Larry Kunkel, and sister - Jill Johnson.

Family and friends may gather to share memories at Walker & Glancy Funeral Home located at 109 W. Windsor St. Montpelier, IN. on Saturday, May 31, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM and one hour prior to services on Sunday, June 1, 2025.

A service to celebrate Karen's life will be at Walker & Glancy Funeral Home at 1:00 PM on Sunday, June 1, 2025 with Pastor Bill Van Haften officiating.  Interment will follow in the Elm Grove Cemetery in Bluffton.

Preferred memorials: The Church at McNatt   8343 S. - 1000 W. - 90 Montpelier, IN.  47359 or Heart to Heart Hospice 5646 Coventry Ln. Fort Wayne, IN. 46804

Arrangements are being handled by Walker & Glancy Funeral Home in Montpelier.

Online condolences may be made at www.glancyfuneralhomes.com