Karen Michelle Fletcher

Karen Michelle (Sipos) Fletcher, 54, of Cabot, Arkansas passed away on July 11, 2016 in her husband's arms and surrounded by loved ones, after a long, brave fight with cancer. She was born December 4, 1961 in Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Andrew (Zip) and Nell (Waleski) Sipos. She attended Kiski Area High School and received her Masters Degrees in Education and Economics from Park University in Little Rock, Arkansas. Karen married Kevin Fletcher in Annapolis, Md. in 1985. She followed her husband in his military career, working as a Financial Manager and Contract Specialist for the Department of Defense until illness forced her to take a medical retirement. She enjoyed gardening, bird watching, sending personalized greeting cards to friends when they least expected it, and cooking gourmet food for her friends and family. Karen's friends know that she was a true "wild-child-free-spirit" with a light that burned just a little brighter than the rest of us. Her energy and love of life inspired everyone she met to push just a little harder. Laughter was her best friend. She simply loved people and loved to make them feel good. She is survived by her husband of 31 years, Kevin; two daughters, Kaleigh Fletcher of Cabot, Arkansas, Jacquelyn Reeder and her husband Timothy of Valdosta, Georgia; mother Nell Sipos of Apollo, Pennsylvania; sister Cheryle Zenuh and her husband George of Saltsburg, Pennsylvania; sister, Sandy Earnest and her husband Dennis of Spokane, Washington; brother Jack and his wife Gina of DeFuniak Springs, Florida; and three grandchildren, Bailey, Conner and Bianka. She was preceded in death by her father, Andrew. Karen believed that the body was just a vessel for the soul, and as per her wishes, there will be no calling hours or funeral services. A celebration of Karen's life will be held at at 5 p.m Thursday, July 21 at St. Jude's Catholic Church in Jacksonville, Arkansas. Arrangements are with Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home in Beebe, Arkansas. To view an online memorial or send a message of condolence, visit www.SmithFamilyCares.com. PS: "We're alive & kickin' chickin'!!"