Karen Kay Athon

July 7, 1958 - October 26, 2020

Karen Kay (Keithley) Athon, 62, of Odessa, Missouri passed away on Monday, October 26, 2020 at her home. The family has requested guests to wear masks. A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Friday, October 30, 2020 at the Odessa Restoration Branch, 6783 MO-131, Odessa, MO, 64076. Funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. at the church. Burial will follow at the Marvin Chapel Cemetery in Mayview, MO. Memorials are suggested to the family in care of Randy Athon. Memories of Karen and condolences for her family may be left at www.LedfordFamilyFH.com or on our Facebook Page. Arrangements have been entrusted to Ralph O. Jones Funeral Home, 306 S. 2nd Street, Odessa, MO, 64076, 816-633-5524. Karen was born on July 7, 1958 in St. Clair County, MO to Manford Keithley and Charlotte (Hadsall) Becker. She graduated from Odessa High School in 1976 then studied Equine Science at Central Missouri State University in Warrensburg, MO. On October 29, 1976 she was united in marriage to Randall “Randy” Elver Athon. They would have celebrated their 44th wedding anniversary on October 29, 2020. She and Randy owned and operated a successful business in real estate management for over 12 years. She was an accomplished horsewoman, talented freelance photographer, creative craftsman, artist, loyal daughter-sister-friend, and loving wife. In addition to spending time with family and friends, Karen enjoyed gardening, canning, rural living, hunting, motor sports, music and training and showing horses. In addition to her husband and mother, survivors include three brothers, Dean Becker and wife, Lora of Odessa, MO, Elmer Becker Jr. and wife, Jody of Independence, MO, and Lennie Becker of Mayview, MO; a sister, Linda Kahle and husband, Paul of Mound City, MO; and many nieces, nephews, and relatives. Karen was preceded in death by her father and stepfather, Elmer Becker. Pallbearers are Sandi Soendker, Steve Gee, Barbara Berry, John Cope, Elmer Becker, and Omar Hadsall. Honorary pallbearers are Brad King, Ron Folsom, and Lindal Boscholt.