Karen Joyce Dannels

Karen Joyce Dannels passed away peacefully on Friday, December 22, 2023 in Independence, Missouri. She was 91. Karen was born to Garland and Frances (Puckett) Talley on December 31, 1931 in Fredonia, Kansas.

Karen was the oldest of 10 children in the Talley family. She was an excellent student, the senior class vice president, senior sweetheart queen and played the clarinet in High School. Shortly after graduation Karen married the love of her life Richard “Dick” in October of 1949. They spent the next 74 years creating a life together.

Karen was a hard worker and spent many years as a clerk at Blue Ridge Bank prior to retirement. During her down time Karen enjoyed being with her family and friends, reading, caring for her house plants, quilting, sewing, and traveling. After retirement Karen and Dick enjoyed traveling around the country by car or bus. For many years they spent weeks in Panama City at the beach nearby their oldest son’s home. Karen was also a talented amateur photographer. She captured many beautiful moments along their journey.

Karen was always known for her kind, friendly disposition and those wonderful Talley hugs and kisses. People who knew her also enjoyed her famous home baked zucchini bread. They’ve all made attempts at duplicating the recipe but no one can seem to get it “just right”. It must’ve been all that love that went into her baking.

Karen was also a proud member of the Red Hat Club and Christ United Methodist Church. Those moments were treasured opportunities for laughter, camaraderie, and shared experiences that enriched her life. Karen will be dearly missed by her loved ones and cherished friends. Her warm smile, gentle words, and nurturing nature brought comfort and happiness to all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Karen is survived by her beloved husband, Richard “Dick”; daughter, Donna Dannels-Wickboldt; sons, Jack Dannels (Laura) and Richard Dannels Jr. (Debi); grandchildren, Christi Bullard (Jared), Stephanie Dean (Larry), Elizabeth Pollert (Neil), Jamie Dannels, Amanda DeVage (Anthony), Drew Dannels, Wade “Jonathan” Chalker (Jessica) and Kyle Wickboldt, along with many great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren. 

Karen is preceded in death by her parents, Garland and Frances Talley; one son, James Garland Dannels; and four sisters, Kaye Casebeer, Barbara Tart, Janice Cline and Donna Ferguson