Karen was born July 1, 1936 in West Frankfort, IL. She was the daughter of Ben and Alice Thompson Mikutis.

She graduated from West Frankfort High School in IL. On September 3, 1954, she married Larrimore Lewis also of West Frankfort. While Larrimore served in the Air Force, their daughter, Laura Lynne was born August 7, 1958 in Topeka, KS. Later, they settled in Warrensburg, MO with Larrimore working at Whiteman Air Force Base.

Karen and Larry were faithful members of the First Baptist Church in Warrensburg where they taught young married couples. Karen volunteered with the group Golden Agers and also did the flowers for the sanctuary. Karen was a proud homemaker. She was a wonderful cook and gardener. She canned and froze everything she could. She was a beautiful seamstress, crafter, and wood worker. Karen loved a challenge. She was a partner with her daughter in a gift business for over 40 years in Saint Charles, MO.

Karen supported the love of her life, Larry with his marathon running. He ran 41 marathons in his life and she never missed a race. She was also a wonderful mother that was always there for Laura in any endeavor.

Karen is survived by her daughter Laura Lewis Henderson of Saint Charles, MO, two brothers Thomas and Kevin Mikutis and brother-in-law Jack Russell all of West Frankfort, Il, and many extended family members that loved her dearly. Karen truly believed in family first!

She was preceded in death by her husband Larrimore in 2006 and their daughter Marcia Leigh in 1969, her son-in-law Larry Henderson on May 7th, 2026, also her parents and her sister, Sandra Jo Russell.

Mom, we will see you in all the beautiful nature around us - but particularly in the flowers that you loved so much.

Graveside service will be held on Tuesday, June 2 at 2:00 p.m. at Sunset Hills Cemetery, Warrensburg, MO.

In lieu of flowers Karen's family ask that donations be made in her memory to: Suncrest Hospice (13205 Manchester Road Suite 200 Des Peres, MO 63131).