Karen Ann (Loutermilch) West passed away on January 19, 2024.
She was born on August 26, 1939, to Eldon Leo and Cynthia Eleanor Loutermilch in the Agency area. She participated in 4-H growing up on the farm. Karen peacefully departed this life, leaving behind cherished memories and a legacy of love.
Karen graduated from Gower High School in 1956, and on November 3, 1956, she was united in marriage to Charles Everett West. Together, they established their home in the Edgerton/Gower area, eventually purchasing a farm and building a house where they raised their 7 children. Karen and Charlie lived there for 50 years. They were married 67 years in November 2023.
A devoted member of Frazier Baptist Church, Karen found joy in teaching Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. She actively participated in numerous bible studies, prayer and share groups, and forged lifelong friendships within the church community. Karen also served as a board member of Number 6 Cemetery in Buchanan County.
In addition to her involvement in the church and community, Karen volunteered in the prison ministry at Platte County Jail, teaching bible studies. She took pleasure in working in the garden and spending quality time with her extended family. In recent years, Karen traveled on road trips with her sisters and visits to South Missouri to see her grandchildren.
Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Leo and Eleanor Loutermilch, and her daughter, Gina Rae West.
She is survived by her husband, Charlie West of Gower, MO; daughters Dee (John) Moore of Edgerton, MO, Roben (Jeff) Tebbenkamp of Republic, MO, Jayme (Roger) Evans of St. Joseph, MO, Andrea (Tim) Edwards of Kimberling City, MO, Natalie West of Liberty, MO; and son Jeff (LeaAnn) West of Bolivar, MO. Karen is also survived by her sisters, Sherrill Kelsey of Agency, MO, and Terry Billington of St. Joseph, MO, along with 23 grandchildren, 42 great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm on Friday, January 26th, at Frazier Baptist Church, Frazier, MO. The funeral service will take place at 11:00 am at Frazier Baptist Church, Frazier, MO, with interment at Hebron Cemetery, Gower, MO, at a later date. All arrangements are being handled by Hixon-Klein Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Gower Convalescent Home in Gower, MO, in memory of Karen Ann West.
