Karen Fay Ripley

Karen Fay Ripley, born on October 26, 1947, in Lebanon, Missouri was sent to her eternal home on January 21, 2025. She was the beloved daughter of Velma and Arlie West.
 

Karen was fiercely loved by her family and everyone she came in contact with. She never met a stranger. Her compassion and loving spirit left an impact on many people that knew her. Her journey on Earth is sealed with love, laughter, and the many memories that will long precede her. We ask that she is remembered by the life she lived and the profound impact she had on those she is leaving behind.
 

Karen is survived and missed dearly by her husband of 60 years, Harold Ripley, her daughter, Deanett, her son in law, Phillip, her granddaughter, Aubree, and her grandson, Ethan. She also leaves behind many cousins and brothers and sisters in law that she adored dearly. She was preceded in death by her parents Velma and Arlie, her sister, Arlene, her brother in law, Dale, and many other cherished families.
 

Karen met Harold in 1963, and they married quickly after in 1964. Their marriage was full of love. 14 years later, they were blessed with their only daughter, Deanett. Their life was full of excitement, often traveling around the country to new places. Karen’s favorite thing, although, was being surrounded by her family.
 

On top of her family, Karen was a creative soul. She loved art and music, artists like George Jones and the Eagles, and she loved to paint, many of her pieces decorating the family home.
 

She took an active role in the lives of her grandchildren, sharing her love of music with them, often listening to old country music on long car rides. She was open with her feelings; she was never afraid to express to her family how much they meant to her, and she was immensely loved as well.
 

Those who knew Karen will remember her for her kindness, her compassion, and her loving spirit. Although her presence is no longer here, her spirit will continue to inspire and uplift us.
 

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the American Lung Association. A celebration of life will be held 1-4 PM on February 1, 2025 at the Lathrop Antique Fairgrounds in Lathrop, MO. Arrangements entrusted to the care and direction of Stith Funeral Home in Lathrop (816) 740-4658. Online guestbook at www.stithfamilyfunerals.com 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Karen Fay Ripley, please visit our floral store.