Karen Conner

Karen L. Conner, 69, Independence, MO passed away July 19, 2011. Services will be 2 pm, Friday, July 22 at Carson-Speaks Chapel, 1501 W. Lexington Ave., Independence, MO 64052; interment at Woodlawn Cemetery. Visitation will be 6-8 pm, Thursday at the funeral home.
Karen was born July 11, 1942 in Independence and lived there most of her life. She graduated from William Chrisman High School in the class of 1960. She was a coordinator of the Class of 1960 Reunion committee. She was also a Special Olympics coach who had once taken a group to California to compete. She was also involved with the People First organization and Sporting Chance. She was a member of the Community of Christ Liberty Street Congregation where she was in charge of funeral dinners and the Camp Cook at many youth camps in the area. She was also very involved with her children’s and grandchildren’s activities. She was active with the PTA and was a founder of Project Graduation at Truman High School.
Karen is survived by her husband of fifty-one years, Jim Conner, of the home; daughters Zula Summers and husband Robert, Galtia, IL; Donna Ralls and husband Walter, Oklahoma City, OK; Rhonda Beckett and husband Todd, Holt, MO; Pamela Conner and Tammy Crane, Independence, MO; brother Donald Bridges and wife Liz, Camdenton, MO; sister LaJuana Crocker and husband Roy, Independence, MO; seven grandchildren and a great-granddaughter.