Karen Lynn Keady, age 76, peacefully joined our loving Savior on May 16th, 2023 in Winfield, KS. Born to Marguerite (Allen) and Robert William Shields on April 23rd, 1947, Karen lived and worked her entire life in Winfield.

In her childhood, challenges were frequent. Diagnosed with Polio at age 7, she spent most days riding her bicycle to keep her legs active. At 12, she faced another blow with the loss of her father. However, the love and closeness of her mother and brothers in their home taught her the value of family and instilled a lasting Christian faith in her that she carried throughout her life.

Karen graduated from Winfield High School in 1965 and married Raymond Lewis Keady in Arkansas City on June 10, 1967. She welcomed her first child, Michelle, in 1972, and her son, Mark, arrived in 1976.

Proud of her Irish heritage, Karen had an unmatched work ethic.  Her career included long tenures at Binney & Smith Crayola, The Winfield State Hospital and Training Center, and USD 465. She retired in 2012. Throughout her career and work-life, she was cherished by her coworkers for her trademark humor and the joy she brought to work every day. She was a devout fan of the Kansas City Chiefs, Notre Dame football, and the Chicago Cubs.

Karen is survived by her son, Mark, of Portage, Michigan, and her daughter, Michelle Keady Sparks, of Wellington. She is also survived by her longtime companion of 30 years, Seaera Sue Stout, of the home. Karen leaves behind six grandchildren: Michael, Nicole, Ashlyn, Ana, Piper, and London, as well as two great-grandsons, Aidyn and Gabriel.

Preceding her in death are her parents, her brothers Bob and Roger, her half-brother Dick, her half-sister Claudine, and her granddaughter, Kelsey.

A memorial service, officiated by Father Clay Kimbro, will be held at Miles Funeral Service in Winfield, KS on Tuesday, June 13th, 2023 at 10am with interment in White Chapel Cemetery in Wichita, Kansas.

May she forever rest in eternal peace.

Funeral services may be viewed live at the following link: