With hearts full of gratitude and sorrow, we share the news that Karen Sue Calnan died peacefully Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Saint Luke's Hospice House surrounded by her loving family. A woman of extraordinary grit, grace, and generosity, Karen made a meaningful and lasting difference in the lives of all she encountered.
Born on November 25, 1948, Karen was the eldest child of Hugh Emerson and Betty Jean (Bowersox) Adams. She spent her early years in Kansas City, Missouri, before the family moved to Ellsworth and then Salina, Kansas where she graduated from Central High School. Karen spent over two decades in the orthodontic field, before becoming a financial advisor for Aid Association for Lutherans (now Thrivent Financial). The common thread throughout these professions was Karen's desire to always be of service.
Karen had a deep faith, a natural curiosity, and a genuine way of making you feel known, valued, and cherished. And this curiosity was not reserved for family and friends. Karen never met a stranger, and she never forgot a birthday, anniversary, or special event. She also could be counted on during life's most difficult times, reaching out with a word of encouragement, a well-chosen bible verse, and a warm and open heart. To know her was to love her — and to be well loved by her.
Karen will be remembered for her dazzling dimples and smile, her infectious laughter and indomitable spirit, her genuine curiosity and care, and her natural storytelling abilities. She was our connector, our conductor, and the keeper of family lore, who never hesitated to embellish a wee bit for dramatic effect and entertainment. We will miss her dearly, and we will keep her with us always, especially through the sharing of laughter, love, and lots of storytelling.
Karen is survived by her husband, Craig; her daughter, Amy; her daughter-in-law, Susan; her three siblings, John Mark (Johnboy), Rebecca (Becky), and Nancy (Noonie); her nieces and nephews: Allison (Ally), Clare, Connor, Emily, Samuel (Sam), and Tyler; her beloved grandnieces: Ayla, Jessa, Kellen, Lenora Quinn, Mallory, and Milena; and a wealth of family and friends.
A visitation will be held at White Chapel Funeral Home, 6600 NE Antioch Road, Gladstone, Missouri 64119, on Thursday, July 2, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
A Celebration of Life will take place at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 5409 NW 72nd Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64151, on Friday, July 3, 2026, at 2:00 pm.
The family welcomes memorial donations to one of Karen's favorite organizations: Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City. Online contributions can be made at https://donate.helpkckids.org/give/83890#
