Karen Sue Chavez 76, of St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Saturday June 28, 2025 at her home, She was born July 30, 1948 in St. Joseph, Missouri daughter of the late Ethel & Frederick Penland. She attended Benton High School and worked at the Northwest Psychiatric Rehab Center as a custodial supervisor. She was a member of the Red Hat Society in Arizona, and was an avid reader, who loved fishing, mushroom hunting, and watching her hummingbirds. She was a Catholic.
Karen was preceded in death by her husband, John Chavez, Jr., her parents, 2 great grandchildren, three brothers; Frederick, Benny, and Lonnie Penland, sisters: Donna Jean Simpson, Myrna Bartch, and Judy Brown. She is survived by daughters, Christina Weekly, Gina (Peggy) Chavez, and Angela (Jeff) Boyles, sons, John (Donna) Chavez III and Robert (Stephanie) Chavez, all of St. Joseph, MO., 15 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren, and her sisters: Janice Wise, Linda Hampton, and Phyllis Patterson.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm on Wednesday at the Rupp Funeral Home, She has been cremated under the care of the Rupp Funeral Home.
