Karen Ruth Canterbury of Madison, WV, who was born on November 27th, 1950, passed away on March 10th, 2026. She was greeted in heaven by her parents Harold and Irene Crihfield, and her younger twin siblings Bonnie Gaye Crihfield Roles and Johhny Ray Crihfield. 

There she’ll watch over her many loved ones, including her lover and significant other of 19 years, Gregory Smoot; her sons and daughters Michelle (Angel) Crihfield, James Jr. (Jay) and Summer Canterbury, Michael and Dionne Canterbury, and Marques Allen Canterbury; her grandchildren Alyssa and Macario Hernandez Jr., Irene Jean Jones, Jeppelin and Austin Vance, Destiny Shaelee Canterbury, Michael II (Bub) and Tanya Canterbury, James Maverick Canterbury, and Alyiah Marie Canterbury; her great-grandchildren Atlas, Leo, and Mateo Hernandez, Grace, Connor, and Benjamin Vance, Daniel, Paisley, and Kolton Canterbury; her brother David and his wife Dorris Crihfield.

Karen was a very kind and caring person. She loved spending her time with her dog Shadow, and talking with loved ones, especially in her colorfully decorated kitchen smoking a Marlboro Light 100. She was an avid collector of many things, including butterflies, angels, and Christmas decorations. Her favorite time of the year was Christmas, during which she sent over 200 Christmas cards per year to everyone she loved. She carried Christmas spirit with her year-round, decorating her Christmas tree for all her favorite holidays, and watching Hallmark any time of year. Her other favorite watches included singing competitions like American Idol and The Voice. She was passionate about everything she believed and did, and everyone she loved. Her strong-willed stubbornness and determination combined with her caring nature made her a fiercely protective matriarch, who once committed and determined, would be as unwavering and respected as her incredible homemade biscuits and gravy.

Her funeral service will be held on Monday, March 16th, 2026 at 2:00pm at the Handley Funeral Home in Danville, WV. Visitation will be one hour prior to the services on Monday at the funeral home.

Thereafter, she will be laid to rest near her parents at Danville Memorial Park.