Karen Miles

With deepest sorrow, we announce the passing of Karen Coleen Miles, a beacon of strength and compassion, who left this world on August 5, 2026. She was born on February 16, 1960, to James and LaVonne Smith in Arlington, California. As Maya Angelou once said, "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." This sentiment perfectly captures the essence of Karen's life and her profound impact on those around her.

Karen spent her professional life as a dedicated Nurses Aid in the medical field, providing care and comfort to countless individuals. Her gentle spirit and unwavering dedication to her patients were unparalleled. In her personal life, she was a loving mother, sister, and partner who cherished her family dearly. She resided in Mountain View, Missouri, where she filled her home with warmth, laughter, and countless memories.

Karen is survived by her spouse, Dean Cheek; her ex-husband, Charles Cheek; her loving sister, Debbie Heiderschied; her caring brother, Jerome Smith; her sister Shirley; and her two sons, Zebulon and Charles Cheek, and her daughter, Crystal Cheek, who were her pride and joy. She is preceded in death by her parents, James and LaVonne Smith. Her legacy will continue to live on through her family and all those whose lives she touched. As the words of Kahlil Gibran remind us, "To live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die."

In this time of grief, we encourage all who knew Karen to contribute to her memorial page. Please share your memories, post photos, and celebrate the life of this remarkable woman. Her story is not just in her achievements, but in the hearts of those she touched, and your memories are the most beautiful reflection of her life.