Mrs. Karen Ethel Hayes Sweeney, 81, of Hartwell, passed away Sunday, July 5, 2020 at AnMed Health Medical Center, Anderson SC.

Born in Waseca MN, she was the daughter of the late Jerry and Ethel Gooderum Hayes.Mrs. Sweeney was a former Bank Teller, avid Quilter and a member of the Quilters of America.She was also a member of the Hartwell First United Methodist Church and the Sojourners.

Survivors include her daughter: Cheryl D. Smith of Hartwell; two brothers: Norm Hayes of Roseau MN and Phil Hayes of Grand Forks ND; four grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren also survive.Mrs. Sweeney was preceded in death by her parents; her husband: Gerald Richard "Gerry" Sweeney; a son: Glenn Raymond Sweeney and a brother: Marlin Hayes.

A memorial service celebrating Karen's life will be held Thursday, July 9, 2020 at 1:00 in the Chapel of the Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell with Dr. R. Allen Stewart officiating.The family will receive friends after the memorial service.Everyone will be asked to practice Social Distancing.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Hartwell First United Methodist Church, 200 E. Howell Street, Hartwell GA 30643.

The Strickland Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Hartwell is in charge of all arrangements.