Karen Marie Sauls, a woman of deep faith, boundless generosity, and a vibrant spirit, passed away peacefully on April 13, 2026. After a long and courageous battle with health challenges, Karen transitioned into grace, leaving behind a legacy of warmth that touched everyone she met.

Born in Detroit, Michigan, on August 24, 1946, to Lewis and Dorothy Evans, Karen’s life was rooted in the rhythmic hymns and community of the Pentecostal Church. As a preacher’s daughter, she carried that foundation of faith and kindness with her through every chapter of her life. In her early years, she brought a bit of sweetness to the world through her many years of dedicated work at the M&M Mars Candy Factory.

In 1968, Karen met the first love of her life, Jack Sauls. They married in 1970, and shortly after the birth of their daughter, Andrea, they moved to Dade City, Florida, in 1979 to begin a new chapter. Karen became a familiar and friendly face in the community, serving the Pasco County School Board for 23 years until her well-deserved retirement.

Though she was widowed in 2010, Karen’s heart remained open to life’s blessings. She was fortunate to find a second deep love in Terry Smith; they married in 2019 and cherished their time together until his passing.

Karen lived her life to the fullest, embracing every opportunity for adventure. Whether she was on the open seas on a cruise, exploring new places, testing her luck at the casino, or enjoying a spirited game of cards, she did so with a smile. She found joy in the simple pleasure of a shopping trip, but her greatest passion was her family. Karen was a professional "spoiler"—nothing brought her more happiness than showering those she loved with affection and gifts.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husbands, Jack Sauls and Terry Smith; her parents, Lewis and Dorothy Evans; her brothers, Bobby, Charlie, and David Evans; and her precious granddaughter, Natalie Rodgers.

Karen’s memory will be kept alive by her daughter, Andrea (Bradley) Kyle; the grandson who was truly the joy of her life, Jacob Sauls-Rodgers; her step-grandson, Keelan Kyle; and her great-granddaughter, Athena Hall. She also leaves behind her brother, Donald (Linda) Evans; her sister, Cherrie Jones; and a large, loving circle of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

A Celebration of Life will take place 2 PM Saturday, May 2, 2026 at Hodges Family Funeral Home, Zephyrhills with a visitation starting at 1:30. prior