(HARKER HEIGHTS) Karen Granberry Smith, 71, of Harker Heights, passed away on October 17th after her health rapidly declined. She was surrounded by loved ones at the time of her passing in her own home.
Karen was born on June 30, 1953, in Monterey, California into a career Army family. Her father was a combat veteran of WWII and Korea. Upon his retirement, the family settled in Austin, Texas where Karen attended public schools, graduating from McCallum High School in 1971. She played the flute in the band.
Karen lived at Scottish Rite Women’s Dormitory during her freshman year at UT Austin. There she became acquainted with a dark-haired waiter named Spencer, whom she would eventually be married to for 49 years. While at UT, she was a member of The Southern Singers.
Upon graduation from UT with a major in Psychology and a minor in Social Work, Karen was married at St. John’s United Methodist Church and moved to Milton, Florida where her husband was in flight training. Subsequent moves to North Carolina, Hawaii, Virginia, and Louisiana as a Marine Corps wife and mother exposed her to many different people and cultures.
Karen was a loving stay-at-home mother to her two children. Only after they were settled in school did she begin to work as a part-time substitute teacher. In alignment with her love for reading, she also worked at the Harker Heights Public Library for a number of years. When she wasn’t reading a book, Karen loved to watch television and movies, travel to distant locales, quilt and sew, play games, and spend time with the
people she loved.
Of central importance to Karen was her relationship with Jesus Christ. She enjoyed studying the Bible and maintaining friendships with various groups and churches through the years, for the last several years at Temple Bible Church. Her love for Jesus came out in her care and concern for others.
Karen was predeceased by her father James Granberry and mother Bobbye Granberry.
She is survived by her husband Spencer, daughter Kathryn (David) Deolloz, son Travis (Aimee) Smith, her eight grandchildren: Nathan and Lydia Deolloz; Hannah, Hutson, Malachi, Evangeline, Atticus, and Maximus Smith, and her sister, Lisa Granberry.
A service for Karen will be held at Dossman Funeral Home in Belton ,October 29th at 10am.
Dossman Funeral Home
(MOODY) Jimmie Carroll Dittmar, 76 of Moody died October 18 2024, at The VA Hospital in Waco, Texas
A graveside service will be held Wednesday, October 30th at 11:00 A M in Killeen Texas at the Central Texas Veterans Cemetery.
Born November 27, 1947, in Austin, Texas, to Robert Dittmar and Betty Jean (Fritts) Dittmar
Jimmie began his career in the workforce at a local marketplace before he found a long-lasting role as an office courier with the IRS, from which he retired in mid-2007.
A proud veteran, Jimmie enlisted in June 1967 and served as a Ship's Serviceman on the USS Chicago. He received several commendations for his service, including the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon. His military service was one of his proudest accomplishments, reflecting his deep love for God and country.
Preceded in death and dates of their deaths (spouse and children only): He is preceded in death by his parents, one half-brother, Allen Fletcher, and one half-sister, Mary Fletcher.
Surviving brothers Robert Martin Dittmar; his niece, Adelia Pratt, and her husband, Tomas Pratt; two aunts, Mary Baker and Caroline Hemphill; along with great-nieces and nephews
Memorials donations (if any):In lieu of flowers please consider making a memorial donation to the VFW Post #1820 Disaster Assistance for Veterans
Arrangements are under the direction of Comrade, Sabrina Young at Young's Daughters Funeral Home and Bereavement Center.