OSAGE CITY, Kan. – Karen Bell West, 65, passed away on Sunday, April 9, 2023, at Osage Nursing Center, Osage City, Kan. She was born July 2, 1957, the daughter of Charles and Lilian “Billie” (Hobbs) Heilman in Topeka, Kan.

Karen graduated in 1975 from Melvern High School, Melvern, Kan. She had lived in Melvern and Osage City for most of her life.

Karen worked as a proofreader for the Josten’s company, in Topeka. She was a leader for the Melvern Jr. Highline 4-H Club and the Vassar Blue Ribbon 4-H Club, member of the Melvern Booster Club, served on the Melvern Sunflower Days Fair board, and was a member of the Melvern United Methodist Church, where she was involved in Sunday school and penny suppers.

On June 23, 1975, Karen was married to William Bradley in Melvern, they later divorced. She married Dwight West, Jr. on Dec. 17, 1999, in Burlington, Kan.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Billie.

Karen is survived by her husband, Dwight, of the home; son, Robby (Anna) Bradley, Melvern; daughter, Jeannie (Ryan) Fine, Melvern; sister, Connie Masenthin, Osage City; four grandchildren, Bradley, Kelsey, Grace and Hailey; seven step-grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter, Saige.

A celebration of life and visitation will be 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 20, at Feltner Funeral Chapel, Lyndon. Private family inurnment will be at a later date at Pleasant View Cemetery, east of Melvern.

Memorial contributions can be made to Prairie Paws Animal Shelter, sent in care of Feltner Funeral Home, 818 Topeka Ave., Lyndon, KS 66451. Condolences can be left at feltnerfuneralhome.com.