Karen graduated from East High School in 1959. Shortly after, she began her career as an administrative assistant in several commercial insurance offices before joining Koch Industries, where she served as an Executive Assistant. She retired after 20 years of dedicated service.
Creative, talented, and endlessly curious, Karen enjoyed cake decorating, sewing, quilting, painting, and woodworking. She loved spending time outdoors—camping, boating, and fishing both locally and in the mountains of Colorado. Her passion for gardening was well known; she delighted in growing Mimosa trees, tending her garden, and canning the harvest to enjoy throughout the year.
Karen had a larger‑than‑life personality and rarely met a challenge she wasn’t willing to try—and usually master.
In 1966, she married Preston Earl Duggins; they later divorced in 1970. On April 9, 1983, she married her soulmate, Robert Lee Dennett, who preceded her in death in 2011.
She was also preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Sondra Boyd; and her beloved dog, Gizmo, all of Augusta.
Karen is survived by her children: Kevin and wife Marcia Duggins of Lee Summit, Missouri; and Kim and husband Craig McGaha of Augusta. She leaves behind grandchildren Tyler Duggins of Lee Summit; Leah Velz of Winfield; Megan and husband Stephen Belisle; Chelsea McGaha; Kristen and husband Cody Cook, all of Wichita; Austin and wife Kenadaey Todd of Augusta; Kaitlynn and wife Liz McGaha of Wichita; Nathan Todd and Cooper McGaha, both of Augusta; as well as numerous great‑grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 21, at Lakeview Funeral Home, 12100 East 13th Street North, Wichita.
We would like to extend a special thank you to LakePoint of Augusta, Faith Home Health and Hospice, and the numerous caregivers who helped care for Karen. Your compassion, dedication, and support meant so much to her and to our family during this time.
