Karen Mae Clark (Hartville)'s Obituary
Karen Mae Clark, daughter of James Byrd and Patricia A. Kolb Simpson, was born March 24, 1967, in Anchorage, Alaska. She departed this life Tuesday, February 4, 2014, in her home, at the age of forty-six years, nine months and four days young.
On August 16, 1985, Karen was united in marriage to Steven Dean Clark and together they have shared the past twenty-eight years.
She was preceded in death by her father, Jim Simpson, Sr.; and a brother, Russell “Rusty” Simpson.
Karen is survived by her loving husband Steven, of the home; children, Kari Clark, of the home; Sarah Napier and husband Neithan, of Hartville, Missouri; Gavin Clark and his significant other Justine Vaughan, of Des Moines, Iowa; and Jerry Clark of Grovespring, Missouri; two grandchildren, Hunter and Kelly; her mother Pat Simpson, of Grovespring, Missouri; three brothers, Jim Simpson, Jr. and wife Mary, of Clinton, Iowa; Terry Simpson of Chugiak, Alaska; and Robert Simpson and wife Jean, of Osage Beach, Missouri; as well as many nieces, nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends.
Karen was born in Alaska, and spent her younger years living in the Chugiak area. She moved with her family to Grovespring, Missouri, in 1981, and was a graduate of the Hartville High School Class of 1987. She worked beside her father, Jim, on the family farm for many years and continued to do so until his passing in 2008. For many years, Karen also worked as a carpenter for her father-in-law, Gene Clark. She had spent the past few years helping to take care of her mother.
Karen was very proud of her Eskimo heritage and enjoyed hunting and fishing whenever possible. She had quite a collection of pigs. She was also a fan of music, attending several concerts throughout her life, including Willie Nelson and Ted Nugent. Her favorite artist was Cher.
Karen was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, and sister, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate her life and accomplishments and will treasure the many wonderful memories she has created for her family and many dear friends.
Memorial donations to the Special Olympics may be made through the funeral home.
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