On the morning of August 18, 2022, Karen Jane Wells of Coffeyville, Kansas passed in her home with family present at the age of 81.
Chester and Dorothy Mills welcomed Karen into this world on December 4, 1940 in Winfield, Kansas.
While attending Sedan High School, Karen met the love of her life, Richard Wells. Following high school graduation in 1958, Karen attended secretarial school in Bartlesville, OK. When Richard suggested they elope, they tied the knot May 1, 1959, in Miami, OK.
Karen held several occupations while married to a teacher and coach. She served as a cook at Satanta High School; a meter reader in Olsburg, KS and worked in the Toddler Room at Little People’s Learning Center in Garnett, KS. The family joked that mom probably potty-trained half of Garnett while working at the Learning Center.
Karen’s true passion was animals. She retired from Mages Vet Clinic in Ottawa, KS. From fish, dogs, cats to guinea pigs, she dearly loved them all, even the bull that caused her first shoulder injury, and she was the only help who knew how to drive a stick shift.
Karen was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Richard Lee; parents, Chester and Dorothy Mills; sisters, Phyllis Alexander and Mary Ann Coe.
Karen is survived by son, Richard Wells and wife Sonja of Coffeyville, KS; and three children Jessica, Nathan, and Brenden Wells; daughter, Susan (Wells) Wildeman, partner Leon, of Williamsburg, KS, and two children Kelvin Wildeman and wife Chelsea, with two children (Karen’s great-grandchildren) Elizabeth and Rebecca Wildeman of Topeka, KS; and Kate Wildeman of Mendocino, CA; and daughter Julia Wells of Houston, TX; along with many nieces and nephews. Karen also leaves behind her furry best friend, Scotch.
Memorial Services will be held on Friday, August 26, 2022, at Ford-Wulf-Bruns Chapel, 2405 Woodland Ave., Coffeyville, Kansas 67337 with Pastor Jaime Regis of Dearing Christian Church officiating. Private Inurnment will take place at Fredonia Cemetery in Fredonia, Kansas. The family will receive friends on Thursday, August 25, 2022, from 6-8pm at Ford-Wulf-Bruns Chapel. Karen's family has requested memorial contributions be made payable to either Coffeyville Friends of Animals Shelter PO Box 1654, Coffeyville KS 67337 or Prairie Paws Animal Shelter, 3173 K-68 Highway, Ottawa KS 66067. Contributions may be left in care of the chapel. To view the live streaming of the service or to leave an online condolence or share a memory visit www.fordwulfbrunschapel.com
