Karen Marie Hershey

Karen Marie Hershey, 69, was welcomed into the arms of her King on August 22, 2026 at home in Lenexa, Kan., surrounded by her loved ones. A memorial service will be held at Christ Community Church, 20600 119th St. Olathe, KS, 66061 on September 12, 2026, at 4pm. All are welcome to join, and to fellowship after. If you have a memory you wish to share with the family, text her youngest daughter, Kate Carroll, at (913) 800-0974; all messages will be shared with the family.

She was born Karen Marie Kinnes on March 1, 1957, to Ronald and Elaine Kinnes, in Denver, CO. She grew up in the small mountain town of Evergreen, CO, with her three younger siblings, spending plenty of time outdoors camping, skiing, and hiking. Karen attended Evergreen High School where she enjoyed cheerleading, tennis, and other social activities.

Upon graduation in 1975, she spent a year at college in Scotland staying with an aunt & uncle, a period that she remembered fondly and often. She returned home and became a hairstylist for the next 25 years, first in a salon, then independently out of her home. This work blessed her with many friendships that she would cherish for years to come. Her first child (son Tyler) came along in her early 20s, and she welcomed her oldest daughter, Carli, a few years later. Karen was known for being actively involved in the kids’ school, sports, and other activities.

Beginning in the mid 90s, they were active members of Foothills Bible Church in Littleton, Colo., where Karen met her beloved husband Matt Hershey in January of 1998. After a five-hour first date and a couple of African mission trips, they tied the knot on Rosh Hashanah, September 30, 2000.

In 2003, they welcomed their youngest daughter, Katherine, and later moved to the Kansas City area, where they lived for 16 years. During that time, Karen and Matt became active members of Or HaOlam Messianic Synagogue and served the community faithfully in a variety of ways. Karen loved nourishing her loved ones with good food, travelling to see her family and friends, spending time outside一gardening, walks, reading in the sunshine一and researching the latest new thing she found. She will be remembered for her bright smile, warm hugs, quick humor, and remarkable energy. She was never afraid to speak her mind or stand up for what she believed, and she was equally known for her kindness, generosity, and willingness to help. She listened, advised, prayed, welcomed people into her home, and made lasting friendships wherever life took her. Her faith was not simply something she believed, it was something she lived, and it became a source of hope and encouragement to others.

Karen is survived by her husband of 26 years, Matthew; son Tyler Hilker (Amy); daughter Carli Walter (Michael); daughter Katherine Carroll (Christopher); brothers Gregg (Kӓren) and Dwight (Tammy) Kinnes; sister Paula; three granddaughters and five grandsons; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ronald and Elaine.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to First Fruits of Zion (https://ffoz.org/), the Cancer Action Center (https://www.canceractionkc.org/).