Nancy "Karen" Gottlob, 83, of Arkansas City, passed away Friday morning, August 9, 2024 at Winfield Senior Living.

Born October 6, 1940 in Wellington, Kansas, she was the daughter of Harold and Myrne K. (Pettigrew) Simpson. When she was young her family moved to a farm southeast of Winfield, where she was raised and educated. Karen graduated from Winfield High School in 1958. She was an active member of 4-H for many years. As an adult she volunteered as a 4-H judge, and as a project leader and community leader.

She was united in marriage to Larry Waite on June 5, 1960 at the First Presbyterian Church in Winfield. The couple made their home northwest of Winfield on the Walnut Valley Hereford Ranch, where they raised registered Hereford Cattle. In addition to working with cattle she helped farm, driving grain and hay trucks as well as preparing meals for those helping. Karen also worked for the Winfield Chamber of Commerce. She later went to work for Morton Buildings at Strother Field. Larry and Karen had two sons, Justin and Austin. Larry preceded her in death on November 17, 1987.

She was united in marriage to Darrell Gottlob on May 30, 1992 near Arkansas City. The couple made their home on the farm their entire married life. Karen remained working at Morton Buildings until retiring.

She was a member of Hackney Community Baptist Church where she played the piano and the organ. She enjoyed working on crafts, sewing, cooking, and going to the County Fair. She also enjoyed working with and spending time with their cattle. She had one cow she was particularly fond of that she called "Grandma." She loved her dog "Buddy," and enjoyed giving him cookies and ice cream.

Karen's family includes her husband Darrell Gottlob of Arkansas City; her sons, Justin Waite and wife, Kathy of Winfield; Austin Waite and wife, Debbi of Winfield; her daughter-in-law Melody Brinigar and husband, Tim of Winfield; her stepchildren, Kristy Gottlob of Newton; Brett Gottlob and wife, Lisa of Georgetown, TX; Kimberly McDonald and husband, Scott of Mobile, AL; her sister Becky White of Republic, MO; her grandchildren, Joshua Waite (Joshelyn), Jacque Eastman (John), Eric Waite (Tommy), Arista Groom (Cameron), Logan Waite, Dayne and Brooks McDonald, Holly and Levi Gottlob, and Allie and Gage Ashcraft; and her eight great grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, Karen was preceded in death by her first husband, Larry.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M., Friday, August 16, 2024 at Miles Funeral Service in Winfield.  Interment will follow at Mt. Vernon Cemetery northwest of Winfield.  A visitation is scheduled at the funeral home on Thursday evening, from 4 to 8. The family will greet visitors from 4 to 6 that evening.

Memorials have been established in Karen's name for Hackney Community Baptist Church and for the Cowley County 4-H. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.

Karen's funeral service will be livestreamed and available to be viewed at the following link: