Karen Gaut, 87, of Dodge City passed away peacefully at her home on September 7, 2026.Karen was born August 21,1939 in Gridley, Kansas.

Karen married Charles Smith and to this union three children were born, they later divorced. She married Gene Gaut on March 28, 1981 in Madison, Kansas and from this marriage she gained two more children. She enjoyed going to the DCCC Lady Conqs Basketball and Volleyball games. Karen really enjoyed being outside and playing a round of golf in her spare time. She loved spending time with her family and enjoyed the many ATV rides through the open Flint Hills. She loved her faithful dogs Alex and Molly. Karen loved to travel taking many memorable trips to Australia, Alaska, Bahamas, Scotland and London. Karen also enjoyed shopping or just browsing.

 Karen was a member of Dodge City Church of the Nazarene, Mariah Hills Golf Course, Red Hat Ladies Group and the PEO Chapter GA.

Karen is survived by Husband, Gene Gaut of Dodge City, sons Chuck and wife Nancy Smith of Virgil, Kansas, Rodney Smith and partner Linda of Madison, Kansas and daughter Melanie and husband Gary Fink of Loveland, Colorado, stepson Doug and wife Jennifer Gaut of Dodge City and stepdaughter Michelle Gaut of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Grandchildren Corey and Monica Smith, Chad and Lindsay Smith, Cody and Amy Smith, Prima Smith, Phillip Smith, Brandon and Ashley Fink, Trevin Fink, Hunter Fink, Lakota Fink, Shauniqua Johnson, Denell Blackmon and Lamont Blackmon. Great grandchildren Criquet and Doug, Faith, Zane, Jade, Lincoln, Tristan, Lane, Cash, Eli, Lucas, Carlie Rose, Symphony, River and Lamont. Great-great grandchildren Eleanor and Barrett. Two sisters Barbara Demler of Gore, Oklahoma, Beverly and Clarence Gaston of Webb City, Missouri and many nieces and nephews.

 Karen is preceded in death by her parents, three brothers Kenny Morrow, Keith Morrow, Donald Morrow, three sisters Betty Bishop, Jacqueline Castleberry and Dina Gale Morrow.

Memorial service will be held on Monday, September 14, 2026 at 10:00 AM at the Dodge City Church of The Nazarene with Pastor Jeff Hiers and Pastor Joel Tuchez officiating.There will be no visitation as cremation has taken place.Inurnment will take place following the service at the Ford Cemetery in Ford, Kansas.In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the Dodge City Community College Women's Athletics Scholarships Fund. Thoughts and Memories may be shared in the online guestbook at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.