A celebration of life service for Karen Sue Stephens Garner will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, February 15, 2025 at Stuart Union Church.
Karen was born June 30, 1943 to James and Betty Stephens and departed life February 2, 2025 at her home. After graduating with West Plains High School Class of 1961 Karen married Bob Garner December 25, 1962. They were blessed with two children, Brent and Heather. Karen was employed by West Plains Coca Cola Bottling and became an avid Coke collector. She then worked 13 years at West Plains Bank, making many friends and golfing partners. Karen’s greatest love was nurturing her family. Her passion was spending time with her children, grandchildren and family. She loved shopping for her kids and grands. She and Bob spent many happy days with family at the cabin near the river, enjoying their wild flower fields, gardening, bees and trees.
Karen is survived by one son, Brent Garner (Judy), Lebanon, Missouri; one daughter, Heather Garner Jones (Mike), Springfield, Missouri; her grandchildren, Dr. Jennifer Malicke (Gregg) Michigan, Justin Garner (Heather) Springfield, Jami Cook (Andrew) Texas, Justin Garner (Heather) Springfield, Garner Jones and Violet Jones, Springfield; her great-grandchildren, Sadie and Madie Malicke, Michigan, Charlie and Collins Cook, Texas, Harper Garner and Anthony Brandt, Springfield; sisters-in-law, Patty Warren (Gordon) Warrensburg and Connie Raine, Florida; sister, Jodie Haynes (Donnie); brothers, Greg Stephens (Renee) and Terry Stephens (Sharon); and many nieces and nephews.
Going before Karen are her husband Bob, grandparents Charles and Sara Stephens, Otmar and Susie Stephens, parents James and Betty Stephens, parents-in-law James and Viva Lee Garner Stanley, brother Ron Stephens and sister Kim Baker.
She will be greatly missed for her kind soul and gentle spirit. Contributions may be made to Stuart Union Cemetery or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
