Karen Rhodes

Karen Sue (Ragsdale) Rhodes, age 83, of Chesterfield, Missouri, passed away peacefully on July 3, 2026. Born on November 30, 1942, in Flat River, Missouri, Karen's life was marked by her compassionate spirit and her deep love of family.

A proud graduate of Flat River High School, Karen sang in the choir, was a band member and played the clarinet. She graduated from the University of Missouri - Columbia, where she earned a degree in Special Education and worked for the St. Louis Special School District, with her focus on speech pathology and audiology.

Karen greatly enjoyed helping others, which extended into her work as a substitute teacher, and then later as a real estate agent, helping many families find their dream homes.

Karen's love for her family and friends was unparalleled, and she cherished every moment spent with those that she loved. Her happiest days were most often felt hosting and participating in family gatherings, including holidays, birthdays, family reunions and other special occasions.

Karen had a love of the theatre and the arts, enjoying season tickets to both the Fox and Stages Theatres for over 30 years. She was artistic with a flair for painting, drawing and writing poetry. She loved many genres of music and was always happy to hop on a dance floor with anyone.

With a heart full of generosity Karen enjoyed volunteering, was kind, caring and genuinely happy. She loved and laughed deeply; was full of joy and often lent a helping hand to those in need, ultimately becoming a “mom” to many!

She is survived by her husband, Charles "Cotton" Rhodes; her children, Lyndlee (Steve) Mabry, Lauren (Bobby) Young, Mark (Deb) Cook, Julie (Val Spinks) Rhodes; her grandchildren Erin (Tara Whitley) Napier, Tyler (Stephanie) Napier, Nate Young, Jake Young, Joshua Cook, Cate (Luc) Bronaugh, Grace Cook, Aiden Spinks; her great-grandchildren Autumn, Liam, Jaxon, Amelia.

Karen was preceded in death by her loving parents, Leeman "Mutt" Ragsdale and Bertha Lorene (Koen) Ragsdale, and her sisters, Rita Branch and Lorilee Butcher.

Visitation will be held at C.Z. Boyer and Son Funeral Home in Desloge, Thrusday, July 9, 2026, from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM. The visitation will resume, Friday, July 10, 2026, from 9:00 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM. Reverend Cindy Sadler will be officiating. Entombment will follow at St. Francois Memorial Park in Bonne Terre. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that contributions be made in Karen's memory to the Greater Missouri Alzheimer's Association - https://Alzheimer's Association /greatermissouri Karen's endearing spirit will be profoundly missed by all who knew her. She leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and a devotion to family and community that will continue to inspire us all. May her soul rest in peace.