Karen A. Stone Will, 69, passed away in her in home in Republic, MO, on August 25, 2013. Karen was born on November 19, 1943 in Seymour, Missouri to Lester and Ruby McElwan. She was a 1962 graduate of Hillcrest High School. Karen was a cosmetologist for many years and owned and operated The Little House of Hair in Joplin, MO. She moved to Springfield in 1973 and worked for around 25 years at Litton Industries before retiring in 2003. She enjoyed street rods and was a member of Rods and Relics, Nostalgia Rods, and Royal Tin car clubs. She and her (’47 Oldsmobile) “the pink bitch” attended car shows and rod runs throughout the area receiving many awards for excellence.
Karen was known as someone who would tell you what she thought, a trait that was admired and valued by those who loved her. She was a perfect mom and Granny in every way! She was a loving partner and care-giver throughout her life, most recently assisting her husband, Larry Will, through his journey home last year. Her daughter, Pam Goodwin, did the same for her as she fought the ravages of ALS, and deserves special recognition and thanks for her efforts. Pam would also like to thank her friends, April and Barb for their support and prayers.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Burley McElwan, and two husbands, Don Stone and Larry Will. Karen is survived by her daughter, Pam Goodwin, Republic, her step-children Randy (Kim)Hopkins-Will, Tarry Will, Springfield, Donovan Stone, St. Louis, and Wayne Keltner, Springfield, ; 2 grandchildren, Ian Z. Rhodes and Chase Marable; 2 great-grandchildren, and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
At Karen’s request, there will be a memorial visitation and Street Rod Presence from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, August 28, 2013, at Herman H. Lohmeyer Funeral Home. A memorial graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday August 29, 2013 in Resurrection Cemetery.
Permanent online condolences, stories and photos may be shared at www.hhlohmeyer.com. Memorial contributions may be made to ALS Association. The family would like to thank Oxford Hospice for their excellent care.