Karen Sue Lombard

Born on June 18, 1958, in Buffalo, Dallas County, Missouri, she was the daughter of the late Ben “B.H.” Wallace and Lenora (Blair) Wallace. Karen’s life was a testament to love, dedication, service, and the faithfulness of God.

She married her soulmate, Dan Lombard, on April 24, 1982, and together they built a life filled with joy, laughter and adventure for over 44 years. In addition to her husband, she is survived by her two children, Seth Lombard (Lindsey) of Gravette, AR and Kelsey Blankenship (Travis) of Bentonville, AR, three grandchildren who lovingly refer to her as “Grammy”: Easton Lombard, Isabella Lombard, and Griffin Blankenship. Her sister, Vicky O’Neil, along with her husband, Bo of Waynesville, MO, nephew Hunter O’Neil, niece Linsey O’Neil, and great- nephew Jaxon O’Neil, also mourn her passing along with her many family and friends.

A proud class of 1976 alumnus of Buffalo High School of Buffalo, Missouri, Karen furthered her education at the College of the Ozarks, graduating in 1981 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Physical Education. Though she decided early on not to pursue a career as a coach and teacher, her chosen career spanned over 33 years at Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., where she exhibited years of dedication and leadership, retiring as a Store Sign Manager in 2016.

Karen was an active member of Boulder Ridge Fellowship in Bentonville. She loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and her church family, and showed it by living out her faith, which was a cornerstone of her life. She served with passion, using her cooking skills for fellowship dinners, working in the nursery, planning and decorating for events, or teaching the young children.

Those who crossed her path knew she was genuine and she possessed a vibrant spirit, known for her quick wit and infectious smile. She had a gift of seeing someone with a need and then finding a way to help them. Despite facing her own health challenges, Karen’s outlook remained steadfastly positive, always counting her blessings and quick to point out someone else with a greater need than her own.

Her love for cooking was legendary; she was renowned for her bountiful meals, ensuring everyone felt welcome and fed, and also went home with leftovers that lasted them days. Dan often jested that he married her for her meatloaf, a testament to her culinary prowess.

An artist at heart, Karen found joy in crafting, painting, and sewing, spending countless hours creating beautiful pieces in her craft room. Above all, she adored her family and her Lord, dedicating her life to nurturing and supporting them in every possible way while living out an example of her faith.

And with this, her family mourns with the hope of Heaven, knowing that Karen’s battle is over and she has at last heard, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to all of the caregivers at Barnes Jewish Hospital, Highland Oncology, Mercy Hospital, and Innisfree Health and Rehab for their compassion and comfort provided to Karen and family. A celebration of Karen’s life will be held at Boulder Ridge Fellowship, located at 4301 E Central Ave, Bentonville, Arkansas on Monday, October 12th, 2026, with a visitation starting at 9 am and services beginning at 11 am.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly suggests donations be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation, in honor of Karen’s enduring spirit and the love she shared with all who knew her.