Karen Jane Yount

Karen Jane (Smith) Yount was born to Kenneth Herbert and Elsie Lucille (Higdon) Smith on May 20, 1939, in El Dorado, Kansas. She went home to our Lord and Savior on November 23, 2025, in Springfield, MO. Karen attended and graduated from Hazel Green Academy in Hazel Green, Kentucky. Karen earned a Bachelor's in Divinity from Philips University in Enid, Oklahoma after high school. While at Philips, Karen met Bennie Yount, and they were married on August 23, 1959. Karen became an ordained minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) on July 21, 1963, and served churches in Oklahoma, Kansas and Missouri. She was a fourth-generation member for Lifeline for Christ in Potwin Christian Church, Potwin, KS. Karen served in leadership roles on the local, regional, national, and international levels of the church. Karen became involved in mission work for the church, especially in Haiti where she made over 25 trips. Her legacy in Haiti is remembered by the naming of the Karen School of Nursing and Assistants in the activity center of the National Spiritual Council of Haitian Churches in Port-au-Prince. In addition to her work with the organizations of the church, Karen had a true gift with her musical talents, playing piano, marimba and singing. She led many a church choir in regular Sunday anthems as well as Christmas & Easter cantatas. She directed bells choirs as well. This love of music is one that Karen passed on to her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Karen enjoyed spending time with family and attending the many activities that her children were a part. There was many a vacation that she organized going to and coming home from the general assembly of the church. She enjoyed being with her friends at Raymore, MO and recently was making new friends in Ozark, MO, playing bingo. Karen’s musical gifts, biblical teachings and positive influence on many lives all around the world will be missed. Karen is preceded in death by her parents and husband, Bennie, of 62 years. She is survived by her four children: Ernest Yount (Windy) of Papillion, NE Kenneth Yount (Carri) of Bella Vista, AR Anita Detherow (Don)of Ozark, MO Philip Yount (Beth) of Republic, MO 8 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. A celebration of life will be held for Karen at 11:00 am on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at the Raymore Christian Church, 500 Peace Dr, Raymore, MO. 64083. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Raymore Christian Church.

Karen Jane Yount

May 20, 1939 - November 23, 2025