Karen Sue Karsner

Karen Sue Karsner, age 67, passed away on November 3, 2025, at the University of Kentucky Medical Center in Lexington, KY, surrounded by her loving family. 

She was born on February 26, 1958, in Owenton Ky, to the late R.C. "Pete" and Doris Roberts Dawson.  

Karen graduated from Whitley County High School in 1976, mid-term, her Senior year. She loved being on the dance/drill team and was also a member of the girls' track team.  After graduation, Karen worked at the bank in Williamsburg, KY, and then moved back to be with her family in Owenton, where she began work at Farmers Bank around 1977.  Karen then started her career with the Commonwealth of Kentucky in the Labor Cabinet, finishing her retirement with the Labor Management and Mediation Division. She served a vital role, assisting with the Labor Union Directory and Labor Management Conferences.

She was a member of Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, in which she found joy and fellowship. Karen served as the church secretary, assisted with the meals at her church, and was active with the ladies' group, as well as with Sunday school and evening worship programs. 

Karen loved to fish, watch movies (especially scary/sci-fi,) crochet, quilt, and enjoyed sitting on her back porch enjoying the outdoors. 

Karen was known for her warm and giving nature. She was always baking or cooking for others and blessing them with her culinary skills. She will be particularly remembered for her delicious chocolate pies, cakes, banana bread, and zucchini bread.

She was a loving daughter, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt. If you were in her household, she considered you family, and you were treated as such.

Family meant everything to Karen. She is survived by her daughters, Amber (Sarah) Wagers and Meagan (Matt) Greenlee. She cherished her grandson, Kenneth Wagers, and enjoyed spending time with her beloved dog, Tessie. Karen is also survived by her sisters, Sharon (Bill) Woods and Dede (Mike) Grisham, along with a host of nieces and nephews, special family friend, Doris Kincaid, and extended family/friends, who will remember her loving personality. Karen truly had a kind spirit and loved everyone for who they were, with no questions asked. 

Visitation will be held on November 7, 2025, at the Main Street location of New Funeral Homes in Owenton, KY, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, followed by the funeral service starting at 5:00 PM. The family invites all who knew Karen to join them in celebrating her life and the love she shared. Memorial contributions are suggested to Owen County Friends of Animals or Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church.