Karen Rose Smoker, “Nugi Zi Winyan” (Brown Ear Woman), age 53, passed away from a long fought battle of renal and liver disease at the Poplar Community Hospital on February 14, 2013. Karen was born to Kenneth Sr. and Theresa (Steele) Smoker on February 6, 1960 at the Poplar Community Hospital. Ever since she was a young child her caring and loving demeanor was evident. In high school, Karen was well liked by teachers and fellow students for her beauty, smarts, and attitude. She was a part of the Poplar High School cheerleading group who were bestowed the honor of “Cheerleaders of the Year” in the state of Montana and helped cheer for her brother Kenny Smoker and the State Class A 1975 State Championship team. Karen graduated from Poplar High School in 1978.
Upon graduating Karen met and fell in love with Emery Chauncey Good Bird Jr. They were married on August 16, 1980 and through this union Emery Good Bird III and John Smoker were born. They later divorced. Karen later met and fell in love with Ronnie Ricker Jr. and through this union her baby boy Griffin Ricker was born. They too later divorced. Her sons were her pride and joy and she was always a loving mother. She was also especially proud of her eight grandchildren from her sons.
Karen worked throughout various jobs in Poplar and all were centered on making others happy. She received her Associates degree from Fort Peck Community College and served as her class Valedictorian, graduating with top honors. She was a doting daughter and she always made sure dinner was on the table for her mom and dad every night. Her favorite past times were being with friends and family and making sure everyone felt loved. She enjoyed cruising with her sister Jeri and Auntie Thelma. Her faithful love Ron, also brought her great joy the past two years as he helped take care of her and keep a smile on her face. In her last days Karen enjoyed the flowers, phone calls, and visits she received from countless visitors, all who loved and cared for her deeply; especially special sisters Sheila Grey Bull, Marie Yellow Owl, Debbie Colgan and special brother Petesy Youngman. She was also a very proud little sister to her big brother Kenny and enjoyed the time he spent with her in her last days. Her bright smile and loving demeanor will be forever missed.
Karen is preceded in death by her brother John Rocky Smoker; Maternal Grandparents Agnes and William “Bill” Steele; Paternal Grandparents Alan and Alma (Red Boy) Smoker; aunts Carlene Steele, Marlene Steele, Mary Rose Melbourne, Pauline Smoker, Bernice Turn Toes, Yvonne Smoker; uncles Shirley Dale Smoker Fred Steele, Curly Steele, Dorrance Steele, Lonnie Steele, Allen “Sonny” Smoker; special friend Joey Russell; and many other family members and friends.
Karen is survived by her parents Kenneth Sr. and Theresa (Steele) Smoker; sister Jeri (Roger) Frislie; brother Kenneth Jr. (Alice) Smoker; sons Emery Goodbird III, John (Raylyn) Smoker, and Griffin (Adriann) Ricker; grandchildren Tressie, Marques, Jarvis, Kaniel, John Rocky, Aniya, Zamara, and Grady; special love Ron Starr; aunts Thelma Blount and Vera (John) Iron Man; adopted grandson Damon Menz; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, grandchildren, extended family and friends.
A vigil service for Karen Rose will be held 6 p.m. Tuesday, February 19 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Poplar. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10 a.m. Wednesday, February 20 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Poplar. Interment will follow at the Poplar City Cemetery in Poplar. Condolences can be sent to Ken Smoker, Sr. or Griffin Ricker at Box 682, Poplar, MT.
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel of Wolf Point has been entrusted with the arrangements. Condolences can be sent to the family using the form below.