Karen Kay Nelius

Karen Kay Kovar Nelius, 64, ran into the arms of Jesus on Tuesday, September 14, 2021. She was born in Houston, Texas to John and Florine Kovar on May 10, 1957. She married her “Knight in Shining Armor,” Dennis Ray Nelius on January 18, 1975 and they created the most beautiful life together in their 46 years of marriage.

Karen, also known as “Mom, Nana, and Kotchie,” was loved by so many! She loved her “Dennis” and lived life doing all she could to take care of his every need. There is nothing she would not do for the love of her life. She adored her two girls, Julie and Jenny and spent her years pouring into them and shaping them into the women they are today.

She was passionate about her 5 grandchildren: Emma, Luke, Ellie, Avery, and Tess. She created the most memorable moments that will be with them forever, like searching for the pickle on the Christmas tree, singing “All I want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth,” and swinging on the back porch talking.

She also loved her Beauty Shop family and the precious years she was able to serve her customers. She used her gifts of communication and listening skills to give the best advice she knew. The walls of the shop would whisper about the amazing friendships that were formed, the laughter that was heard, the tears that were wiped, and the comfort and encouragement that was given.

Her brothers and sisters also meant the world to her. There were family gatherings on so many occasions filled with love and laughter that will be remembered fondly by all.

She was a wonderful daughter, sister, wife, mother, and friend. She is preceded in death by her parents, John and Florine Kovar. Karen is survived by her husband, Dennis Nelius, daughter Julie and son in law Cody Compton, daughter Jenny Stephenson and son in law Neal Stephenson, and grandkids Luke and Avery Compton, and Emma, Ellie, and Tess Stephenson.

Friends and family are invited to attend a Celebration of Life on Saturday, October 2nd at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home from 3:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. A catered reception will follow from 4:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. We ask that you wear brightly colored clothes and come with some of your favorite memories that you shared with her. We will have notecards waiting for you to write these memories down. We will bind these written memories into a book and will cherish them for the many years to come.

As much as we will miss her, we know she is with our Father probably having dance parties, cutting hair, and having long conversations with so many people. Please come help us celebrate the wonderful person she was and how she will live on in so many of us.

John 11: 25-26a “Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die.”