Karen Kay Butts, 77, St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away unexpectedly on January 9, 2026, at a local hospital. She was born on May 2, 1948, in Kansas City, Kansas, to John H. Salzman and Laura Jean Harrison (Richey).
She grew up in Platte City, MO in a house built by her dad. She graduated from Platte City High School in 1966. After a long and respected career, she retired with grace from Johnson Controls.
On June 24, 1967, at First Baptist Church of Platte City, MO she married her high school sweetheart Glenn Alan Butts. Their marriage was built with memories that will last forever, and they celebrated over 50 years of marriage until Glenn’s passing in 2024 from a lengthy battle with cancer. Their marriage was blessed with two children, Mendy Ann and John Christian.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her stepfather Granville Harrison, and her beloved sister Melanie Jean Waldroff.
Karen was a great listener, avid book reader, excellent cook, painter, gardener, breast cancer survivor, and chocolate lover like no other. A faithful servant of God, Karen was a member of Grace Calvary Chapel and lived her life as a testament to her beliefs. She walked in the light of Christ, reading her bible and daily devotionals, and leading with love and compassion. Her family and friends will fondly remember her as a constant source of spiritual support, always prepared with a scripture or prayer of encouragement for anyone she encountered.
Her greatest joy was her family, and her legacy lives on in each of them. Surviving the home are daughter Mendy A. Stephens (Shane) and son John C. Butts; grandchildren, Nicholas, Jaxson, Bailey, Karley, Jaeson, and Jacob Butts, Cassidy Routh, Luke and Jake Stephens; niece Stacy R. Anderson (Chris), Nephew Shawn E. Waldroff (Crystal), her best friend Carla McKinney, and many other relatives, friends and neighbors, along with her dog Daisy and cat Tinker and several fish and one continuously escaping snail.
While our hearts are heavy, we take comfort knowing she is now at peace. She will be deeply missed by her children, grandchildren, extended family, and many friends who were blessed to know and love her. Her memory will live on through the countless lives she touched and the love she gave so freely. She leaves behind a legacy of faith, love and family that will continue for generations to come.
Farewell services will be Friday, January 16, 2026, at 7:00 pm at Heaton-Bowman-Smith & Sidenfaden Chapel. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service beginning at 6:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to support Missions, at Grace Calvary Chapel or the St. Joseph Animal Shelter.
