Karen Jo

Mathes

Karen Jo Mathes, daughter of the late Aaron and Elvadean White, was born in Mt. Vernon, Missouri, on December 21, 1953.  She departed this life at her residence in Oates, Missouri, on June 11, 2021, at the age of 67.

Karen was united in marriage to Denny Edward Mathes in Oates, Missouri, on August 2, 1969. From this union came three children; April Richelle, Hank Edward, and Jay Byron. Karen was a loving mother, staying home to care for her children until they were old enough for her to pursue her dream of becoming an elementary teacher. Even when taking college courses and working, she never missed a ballgame or event for her kids.  She taught at Centerville Schools and then Lesterville Elementary School until retiring in 2002.  Karen was a member of Locust Grove United Baptist Church, where she always looked forward to the fellowship, worshipping her Savior, and supporting 'her Denny' as she lovingly called him.  She loved her church and being a pastor's wife.  She was known by many for her sweet loving spirit, her vibrant personality, and her nurturing ways.  Karen's greatest joy in life was spending time with her family and friends.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Aaron and Elvadean White, and one sister, Gertrude and husband Clint, of Oates, MO.

Karen is survived by her husband, Denny Mathes of Oates, Missouri, one daughter, April and husband Greg Freeman of Black, Missouri; two sons, Hank Mathes and wife Tina of Black, Missouri, and Jay Mathes of Oates, Missouri; eight grandsons, Logan, Isaac, DeAndre, Vince, Nolan, Gage, Ayden, and Avery, and 4 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Ricky White and wife Judy of Boonville, Missouri, and Eddie White and wife Debbie of Oates, Missouri; three sisters, Janet Ratliff and husband Lyndle of Oates, Missouri, Susan Myers and husband Randell of Oates, Missouri, and Mary Helms and husband Kevin of Oates, Missouri.  Karen will forever be remembered, loved, and deeply missed by those who knew and loved her.

Visitation: Wednesday, June 16th at 9:30 AM until funeral at 11 AM at Locust Grove United Baptist Church

Ministers: Elders Mark Sutton and Keith Barton

Burial: Myers Cemetery, Oates, Missouri

Pallbearers: Logan Freeman, Isaac Freeman, Vince Mathes, Nolan Mathes, Ayden Mathes and Avery Mathes

Honorary Pallbearers: Gage Shy and DeAndre Peterson

In Lieu of Flowers: Donations can be made to Locust Grove United Baptist Church or Black River Baptist Church

Arrangements by McSpadden Funeral Homes, Inc. Lesterville, Missouri