Karen A. Benitez

Karen A. (Smith) Benitez, 51, of Coloma, passed away, Saturday, August 9, 2014 at Royalton Manor in St. Joseph. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 10:00 A.M. Thursday at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, with Rev. Ron Simcox officiating.  Burial will follow at Crystal Springs Cemetery, Benton Harbor.  Friends may visit with the family from 5:00 until 8:00 P.M. Wednesday at the funeral home.  Memorial donations in Karen’s memory may be made to Lifegate Baptist Church or Berrien County Cancer Service.  Those wishing to sign Karen’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Karen was born October 15, 1962 in St. Joseph to Victor Dean, Sr. & Vera (Bykaus) Smith.  She graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1980 and attended Lake Michigan College.  She was employed at Vitale’s Market in Hagar Shores.  In her free time, Karen enjoyed flower gardening, scrap booking, shopping, taking care of her animals, listening to music, and watching University of Michigan football. Karen is survived by her children-Aaron (Whitney Edwards) Benitez, Katerina Benitez, & Brian Benitez-all at home; her mother Vera Smith of Benton Harbor; two brothers-Mark Smith & Victor D. Smith, Jr., both of St. Joseph; and several aunts, uncles & cousins.  She was preceded in death by her brother Michael Smith on February 22, 1995 and her father Victor Sr., on July 3, 2003.