Karen J. Rush, 64, of Winfield, Kansas, passed away Saturday evening, February 25, 2017 at her home.

Born April 23, 1952 in Winfield, Kansas, she was the daughter of M. Wayne and Barbara Joan (Fry) Rush. She was raised and received her education in Winfield, graduating from Winfield High School in 1970. She attended Cowley County Community College and graduated with an Associates Degree in 1972.

After school, Karen began working at Southwestern Bell in Arkansas City, Kansas. She continued with Southwestern Bell, transferring to Parsons in the late 1970's, Topeka in the late 1980's and finally Lawrence where she remained until retiring in 2002. While in Topeka, she played in the Topeka Symphony. In 2009, she moved to Arkansas City to be with family.

She was a very active volunteer with the Cowley County Humane Society and the Cowley County Council on Aging. She also served as a board member for the Council on Aging and was a Silver Haired Legislator, working as an advocate in Topeka. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Winfield, serving as chair on the Mission Board. While in Eudora, Karen served as secretary for the Methodist Church. She was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. She enjoyed fishing, camping and deer hunting with her father. She especially enjoyed music, playing the bass, piano and organ. She was a lover of animals, particularly her cats and dogs.

Her family includes:
Her sister: Lucia Kay Balzer of Arkansas City;
Her nephews: Adam Balzer and wife, Kim of Osage City; Robert Balzer of Newkirk, OK; Brian Balzer and wife, Carol of Arkansas City; and
Her great nephew: Hunter Anderson.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Services will be held Friday, March 3, 2017 at 2:00 P.M. at First Baptist Church in Winfield. Inurnment will follow at Highland Cemetery. Friends may call at Miles Funeral Service on Thursday evening from 5 to 7 P.M. The family will greet visitors during this time.

Memorials have been established in Karen's name for First Baptist Church of Winfield and the Cowley County Humane Society. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.