Karen Ayres, age 79, of Greenleaf, Kansas, passed away on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at Community Memorial Healthcare in Marysville.
Visitation will be held Saturday, March 22, 2025, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Ward Funeral Home in Washington with the family receiving friends from 5 to 7 p.m.
A funeral service will be held 2 p.m., Sunday, March 23 at Washington Christian Church in Washington.
Burial will be in the Greenleaf City Cemetery.
Born on January 26, 1946, in Jennings, LA, Karen was adopted by Myron and Ruth (Henry) Clark in Kansas City, MO where she grew up. She completed her education at Paseo High School before pursuing higher education at the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC), where she earned a master’s degree in education. Her passion for teaching led her to serve in various school districts, including Kansas City, Barnes, and Linn, where she inspired countless young minds. Even after her retirement, Karen remained dedicated to her profession, continuing as a substitute teacher. Known for her creativity and proactive approach, she often took the initiative to engage her students with well-planned crafts and activities. Karen would also invite her parents to her classrooms to share stories of their travels, enriching her students’ understanding of the world.
On May 28, 1977, Karen married her beloved husband, Keith Ayres, in Kansas City. Together, they welcomed a daughter, Kaitlin, who became a central part of Karen’s life. Karen cherished her role as a mother and later as a grandmother, enjoying precious moments with her grandchildren: Danielle, Dawson, and Dalaini Munstermann. She found joy in baking, reading, and nurturing her family. In her retirement, Karen indulged in her passion for sewing, often gathering with friends to share their talent and creativity.
Karen loved to travel, finding joy in visits to Branson, the Ozarks, and Colorado—family favorites that created lasting memories.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Myron and Ruth Clark, and her husband, Keith Ayres.
Karen is survived by her daughter, Kaitlin (Kyle) Munstermann; her brother, Kenneth (Karen) Clark; her grandchildren; and her nieces, Kristen Clark and Kimberly Clark.
The family wishes to express their gratitude to all who have shared in Karen’s life and to those who will join them in remembering her warmth, compassion, and vivid spirit.
A memorial fund is established in her name and will be designated later. Contributions may be sent in care of Ward Funeral Home, Washington, KS.
