Karla Kay Jenkins

Karla was born on February 2, 1942 in Kansas City, MO to Thomas “Elmer” and Frances Dean Shepherd. She graduated from North Kansas City High School in 1960 and married Ronald “Ron” Jenkins, her high school sweetheart and the love of her life, in 1962. Shortly after they were married, they moved into a house they built together, where they made a home for their family.

Karla was a devoted, loving wife, mother and grandmother. She and Ron were married 61 years and always put family first. Karla served as an amazing role model to her children and grandchildren. She nurtured, encouraged and supported them to always do their best, to set and pursue their goals, to never doubt their abilities, and to be kind and caring people. She was a Girl Scout Leader, a Sunday School Teacher and a Room Mother for numerous classroom events. She also helped to raise her three youngest grandchildren, which she viewed as one of her greatest privileges. Karla was also a talented artist and enjoyed oil painting and ceramics, in her spare time.

Karla was a generous and kind individual who loved life and who was passionate about her husband and family. She was a member of Gashland United Methodist Church.

Karla is preceded in death by her parents, Thomas “Elmer” and Frances Dean Shepherd, and two of her brothers, Franklin Eugene “Gene” and Thomas “Tom” Shepherd.

Karla is survived by her husband, Ron Jenkins; her four children, Kevin Jenkins (Linda), Kolette Schneider (Kyle), Sheila Percival (Stacy) and Kimberley Crain (Tom); and her six grandchildren Justin, Brayden and Trenton Percival, Natalie Crain, Colten and Joe Peterson; her two brothers, Gary Shepherd (Bev) and William “Bill” Shepherd (Irene); numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

A Visitation for Karla will be held Tuesday, August 29 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. A Loving Remembrance officiated by Gary Simmons will occur Wednesday, August 30 at 11:00 AM with a burial to immediately follow, all at White Chapel Funeral Home, 6600 NE Antioch Road, Gladstone, Missouri 64119.

In lieu of, or in addition to flowers, memorial donations may be sent to Kansas City Hospice House at 12000 Wornall Road, Kansas City, MO 64145 or kchospice.org/support/donate.

The family would like to thank KC Hospice House and the University of Kansas Cancer Center for their care and compassion.