Karen Thayer (Lineback) Smith

Karen Thayer Smith, 82, of Indianapolis, passed away Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at her home surrounded by her family. She was born October 5, 1943, at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis to Richard Thayer Lineback  and Rhea Lavonne (Chenoweth) Lineback.

Karen grew up next door to James Whitcomb Riley’s childhood home in Greenfield, Indiana.  A Greenfield High School graduate, she matriculated at Indiana University in Bloomington in 1961.   Graduating in 1965, she married Jerrold Rex Smith from Anderson, Indiana.  She taught high school English at Franklin Central (Marion County) and Fortville High School (Hancock County).  In 1967, she followed her peripatetic husband to Newport, Rhode Island and subsequently Dunoon, Scotland.  Upon returning to Indiana, she was busy raising her family (Christopher Thayer, Heather Anne, and Stephanie Lynn) and volunteering at North Central High School Library.  She returned to Indiana University for her Masters in Library Science and had a 20-year career at Carmel Clay Public Library, all before retiring in 2010.  For years she was active in the International Violin Competition of Indianapolis, hosting contestants and collaborators during the quadrennial celebrations.  In addition to husband Jerrold and their children, she is survived by six grandchildren: Sylvia, Julia and Alexander Smith; Myles and Elliot Drescher; and Jocie Kenjorski.  In keeping with Karen’s wishes, a simple cremation will take place with a celebration of her life being held at a later date.

Memorial donations in Karen’s memory may be made to the National MS Society P.O. Box 91891 Washington, D.C. 20090-1891

Seals Funeral Home & Cremation Services is assisting the family.

Online condolences may be shared at www.sealsfuneralhome.com.  

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