Karen Lee (Cripps) Newman

Karen Lee Newman (Cripps) passed away in her home July 14, 2023. Karen was born February 21, 1937, to Noel and Marie Cripps and was a lifelong resident of Harveyville, Kansas.

Karen married Richard Newman on January 8, 1955. They were married 59 years before Richard passed in 2014. Karen was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Patricia Kopp (Robert).

Karen is survived by her children – Joe Newman (Rose) of Harveyville, Mike Newman of Vassar, Kathy Keown (Curtis) of Minnesota, and Julie Fischer (John) of Rossville. She was "Meema" to 9 grandchildren – Dwayne Newman, Jennifer VanPelt, Daniel Newman, Brian Newman, Curtis Shirley, Jr., Trish Enos, Kallie Smit, Katie Fischer, and Korrine Fischer. She was also blessed with 17 great-grandchildren. Also surviving her is her nephew, Eric Kopp (Kay) of Osage City.

During her life, Karen was employed by Jostens Yearbook, Wal-Mart, and the Harveyville Library. Karen loved spending time with her family, cooking and reading. She found entertainment in hockey, country music and Chicago, PD. Karen also loved watching the hummingbirds and birds drawn to her front porch.

Her family will miss her contagious giggle, her little pitter-patter of footsteps making her way to her coffee pot and spending quality time with her on her front porch in Harveyville. We will miss her strength, honesty, selflessness, and most of all the unconditional love she had for her family. She was the heart of this family - our rock and our "home."

A celebration of Karen's life will be held from 5:00 until 7:00 PM, Saturday, September 9th at the Harveyville United Methodist Church. All are welcome – Karen loved spending time with her family, friends, and community. Memorial contributions can be made to Midland Hospice at 200 SW Frazier Circle, Topeka, KS 66606, who earned a special place in her heart with the care of her husband, Richard.