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Karen Sue Johnson was born July 17, 1963 in Burlington, Iowa to the union of Richard D. Morris and Elsie E. Campbell of Henderson County, Ill. She grew up and went to school in Trenton, Mo.
Karen met and married James Lewellen and to this union one child, Jennifer was born. This marriage was dissolved and Karen moved to Des Moines, Iowa where she met and later married Mark VanCleave and to this union one child, Elizabeth was born. This marriage was later dissolved and Karen met Steve Johnson to whom she was married and they moved together to Gallatin, Mo. With Steve, Karen gave birth to two more children, Steven and Stephanie.
Karen loved life and was someone who never met a stranger. Karen always felt that God had put her here on this earth to enjoy her four children for whom she had much love and pride in her heart. Above all else, Karen enjoyed her children and being a mother and she battled until her home-going to remain here for them and to spend time with them.
Karen passed away Monday, July 4th, 2011 at 2:28 am at Saint Luke’s Northland hospital in Kansas City, Mo. All of her children and her older sister were present and her soul left this earth in a very peaceful, loving way just as she wanted. In addition, Karen had a strong affinity for all of the caregivers at Saint Luke’s Northland hospital and felt that they were like family as well because of the way they were so kind, caring, and truly lifted her spirits throughout the several months of her battle with cancer.
Services for Karen will be held at Banks and Beals Funeral Home, Stronghurst, Ill., Friday, July 8 with visitation beginning at 3:30 pm and service to commence promptly at 5 pm.
Karen leaves to cherish her loving memory: Her parents, Richard Morris and Elsie Morris. Her children, daughter Jennifer McNutt; daughter Elizabeth VanCleave, fiancé Chad Smith, children Adriana and Alaina Smith; son Steven Johnson Jr., and daughter Stephanie Johnson. Her sister Deana Smith, husband Dale, children Adam and Nichole; brother Mark Morris, wife Carolyn, children Raven and Eli; and brother Steve. She also leaves a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, additional family, and dear friends whom Karen loved deeply.