Karen Sue Melsness, 78, of St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, March 21, 2023, in St. Joseph. She was born August 28, 1944, in Plattsburg, Missouri, daughter of Hazel & Thomas Belcher.
She graduated from Plattsburg High School, and she worked as a certified nurses aide. She enjoyed crossword puzzles, playing bingo, horseback riding and gardening.
Karen was preceded in death by her parents, son, Harley Jeffers, sisters Pamelia Ashler, Delores Baggio, and Ruth Limley, and brother, Thomas Belcher.
She is survived by niece, Michelle Ashler-Pyles of St. Joseph, sister, Frances Laughlin of Savannah, brother, Louis (Dee Pike) Belcher of St. Joseph, and grandsons, Tye Jeffers of St. Joseph and Shawn Jeffers of IA.
The family will receive friends from 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm on Saturday, April 1, 2023 at the Rupp Funeral Home, with a Celebration of Life following at 2:00 pm. Pastor Leanna VanZandt Nauman officiating. She will be cremated under the care of the Rupp Funeral Home.