Karen Karmita Wolfe (Crowe), 56, of Springfield, died peacefully in her home on Saturday, October 5, 2013. Karen was born in Lake Charles, Louisiana on December 31, 1956 to Bobby and Glenda Crowe, also of Springfield. She experienced many travels in her early years as her father was in the Air Force; living in Japan, Hawaii, Texas, Kansas, Mississippi, and Illinois before finally settling in Springfield Missouri. She attended Glendale High School and then moved to Tucson, Arizona with her first husband Kenneth Williams. This union brought a daughter, Jennifer, in 1975. Karen worked in the healthcare field most of her life, which is where she met her second husband, Kevin Wolfe. This union brought two daughters, Cynthia Nicole in 1979 and Rebecca in 1980. Eleven years ago, she met her soulmate, Mike Strouss, who has been her constant companion and source of immeasurable happiness.
Karen had an enormous heart and never met a stranger. She has provided counsel and encouragement to countless friends near and far with her genuine words. In addition to her own children, she "mothered" everyone she met and touched many lives. She adored horses and volunteered at local stables just so she could be near them. Karen loved reading, watching movies, and traveling. She also enjoyed time spent with her grandchildren, attending football games and family functions. She will be deeply missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.
Karen was preceded in death by her daughter Cynthia and both sets of grandparents. She is survived by her parents; a sister, Cynthia Dunbar and her husband Dan; 3 nephews, Nick, Parker and Ben Dunbar; her daughters, Jennifer Bates; and Rebecca Tandy and her husband Michael. She is also survived by 5 beautiful grandchildren; Tyler, Simon, Melody, Justin, and Colton; as well as many cousins and other extended family.
A private viewing for family was held at Rivermonte in Springfield. She wished for her remains to be cremated and scattered near her beloved horses. A celebration of her life and reception for friends and family members will be held on Thursday, October 10th from 6-8 pm at 4708 W. Meadowlark in Battlefield, MO. The family is requesting donations in lieu of flowers to a memorial fund in her honor, which will be donated to a local equine therapy center. Donations can be given at the reception or mailed to any Great Southern Bank location under Karen K. Wolfe. If you have any questions regarding donations, you may call Great Southern customer service at (417) 895-4777, or you may email Rebecca Tandy at beckys_monkeys@yahoo.com.