Karen D. Staley

Karen Dee Staley was born September 5, 1938 at Wesley Hospital, Wichita Kansas to L. Graydon & Virginia (Josselyn) Schuh. She was the first child of this union. At age 10, Karen committed her heart to the Lord and from then on determined to live her life in honor of Christ.

As a young child, Karen lived in Wichita on Grove St. Her parents made a decision to move the family to the country which took them to N. Broadway which at the time was part of Kechi, KS. As a young child she attended Ingalls Elementary in Wichita until moving to attend Kechi Center School where she completed 8th grade. She then made a choice to return to Wichita Schools and attend North High where she graduated in 1956.

While growing up Karen had many responsibilities as the first born daughter which included raising and butchering chickens, helping her father around the house with chores and working on cars. She was her father's right hand man and loved learning anything he would teach her. Karen was also a built-in sitter to her siblings which included two younger sisters, Marsha and Madelyon as her mother and father worked full time jobs.

She met the love of her life, Delmer (Del) Staley at the young age of 18 while attending Central Assembly of God. They were united in marriage on June 28, 1957. This marriage was blessed for 64 years. Del & Karen made their home in Park City, Kansas until moving to Wichita in 1966. To this marriage, two children were born. Amy JoLynn in May of 1968 and Brenda LeAnn in April of 1970. Karen was a doting mom to her girls, spending time teaching them homemaking skills, sewing, cooking and sharing many of the life skills she was taught by her mother & father.

Throughout her life, Karen has had many interests which led her to take a position at a very young age at KFTI (now known as KFDI) radio. It was in this position she used her creativity to write commercials and be a program director. One such commercial she wrote which became nationally played, was for the Culligan Water company. Yes, she was the original “Hey Culligan Man” voice. While at KFTI Radio, she began attending Friends University where she graduated in 1961 with a degree in elementary education. She taught at Munger elementary in Wichita as well as working in an Independent school as the Headmaster. She continued in education until her children were born. In order to be a stay home mom, Karen and Del chose to participate in the Amway business. As Karen's own parents and In-laws and husband aged, she became their caregiver. Devoting many hours to their well being.

During the early years of their marriage, Karen and Del worked together as youth staff with college and career emphasis at Central Assembly. Throughout her life, Karen devoted many years to the service of the Lord. Teaching many Sunday school classes, leading women’s retreats and working closely with women’s ministries for the Kansas District Assembly of God. Karen also spent time attending West Wichita Christian Women's Club, and Bible Study Fellowship. Missionary work was always important to Karen. With Del and children, the family took a trip to Europe serving two Assembly of God Bible colleges in Holland and Belgium. Karen became the official cook to the residence during this time. Karen and Del remained steadfast in their mission work, taking trips to Ireland, England, Poland and France to assist with the needs of churches. There is not enough space in Karen’s obituary to list all the ways in which she served the Lord, including the lives that were changed by her example. As Karen stated in her Celebration of Life plan, to "extend a call to salvation because that is what I’ve lived for." Karen is now worshiping her Lord and Saviour for all eternity.

As her children grew and had families of their own. Karen became a proud grandma to five grandchildren, and many others who called her Grandma. She chose to keep the family tradition of being called “Mom Mom” by her grandchildren. Many nights, weekends and summers were spent watching the grandchildren involved with various activities which included sports, musicals and spending time at Mom Mom and Pop Pop camps. Each grandchild was taken on their own special trip. She loved spending time with her grandchildren.

Karen is survived by her children: Eldest daughter Amy Pettyjohn, her husband Curtis Pettyjohn of Terlton, OK and their sons, Jonathan Pettyjohn, wife Sierra of Argonia, KS, and David Pettyjohn of Tulsa, OK. Youngest daughter Brenda Young, her husband Brad Young of Benton, KS, and their daughters, Bethany Young of Wichita, KS, Brylee Young of Lawrence, KS, and Bayley Young of Wichita, KS. Her sister Madelon Couch of La Quinta, CA. Nephew’s Edward Couch, wife Kimberly and their family of Escondido, CA, Eric Rager, wife Denise and their family of Frisco, TX. Niece Christine Meyers husband Steve and their family of Alhambra, CA. Karen was preceded in death by her parents, L.Graydon Schuh, Virgina Schuh, her younger sister Marsha King and her loving husband Delmer Staley.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM ~ 7:00 PM on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at Resthaven Mortuary, 11800 West Highway 54, Wichita, Kansas 67209.

Funeral Service will be held 10:00 AM on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at Zaik Church, 888 South Webb Road, Wichita, Kansas 67207. Graveside Service will be held 2:00 PM on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at Resthaven Gardens of Memory, 11800 West Highway 54, Wichita, Kansas 67209.

Memorials may be given to Zaik Church Missions Fund, 888 South Webb Road, Wichita, Kansas 67207.