Karen Sue Stephens Garner
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.
Amber Redburn
February 5, 2025 @ 9:56 am
To the Garner Families, Patty/Gordon & Warren Families, Jodie/Donnie Haynes, Greg/Renee Stephens, and Terry/Sharon & Families,
Our Deepest Sympathy to all of you at this time with the passing of Karen. She had a wonderful caring personality and her smile could light up a room. Also, we have memories of her and her family with them living in our neighborhood as well. She will be missed. Daily we will be keeping all of you in our daily prayers and thoughts. During this time may God provide each of you peace, comfort, strength, and encouragement. God bless each one of you.
In Christian Love,
Norris & Ivene Cozort
Tim, Amber(Cozort), and Corby Redburn
David and Carrie Thompson
February 5, 2025 @ 10:27 am
Brent and Heather, I’m just so sad to hear about Karen. My prayers are with you and rest of your family.
Sharon Endicott
February 5, 2025 @ 11:53 am
I’m sad to hear about Karen. She was a good friend in school and we were in each others wedding. She will be missed. Prayers for the family.
Lois Frazier
February 5, 2025 @ 1:56 pm
So very sorry to hear about the loss of Karen. She worked at the Coke plant with my parents and my sister. When I was a teenager, I went on trips with her and my sister Brenda, to Springfield to shop at K-Mart. We ate at a Chinese place or McDonald’s. That was big time back then. She always had the sweetest smile and quietest voice. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
simoneau mona
February 5, 2025 @ 4:31 pm
So sorry for your loss, did not know about it until today. We hold all of you in our Prayers and in our hearts during this time and always. Love you all. Woody and Mona Simoneau
s
Linda Eades
February 6, 2025 @ 8:43 am
So Sorry to hear of Karen’s passing. I worked with her at WPB. She was such a sweet person.
Donna Newberry
February 6, 2025 @ 12:33 pm
Garner family sorry for your loss. Years ago Karen, Mom Betty, Marie Helnslely and her girls Brenda and Lois and I played volleyball on team together. lots of fun. Great group of ladies. Good memories. Noble and Donna Newberry
Craig and Sherri Cromer
February 7, 2025 @ 9:42 am
Karen was a beautiful soul. So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Vici Mccracken
February 12, 2025 @ 11:21 am
I’m so sad to hear of Karen’s passing. When I think about Karen, I think soft, kind, gentle and loving. She and Bob were special people and I loved them both.
My heart breaks for Heather.