Karen Gene Stephens, 72, of Festus died April 3, 2025, at her home. Mrs. Stephens retired from Union Pacific Railroad. She enjoyed gardening, landscaping, reading, refinishing furniture and crafting. Born Oct. 15, 1952, in Niles, Mich., she was the daughter of the late Georgia Nadine (Wiggins) and Calvin Charles Townsend.
She was preceded in death by her husband: Steven R. Stephens.
She is survived by three children: Steven A. (Michelle) Stephens of De Soto, Tiffany (Rusty) Stearns of Festus and Tammy (Matthew) Copeland; six grandchildren: Andrea Copeland, Heather (Jonathan) Cochran, Steven Zachary Stephens, Cameron Stephens, Lilliane Courtois and Carlton Courtois; five great-grandchildren; and two sisters: Jeronda Greer of Clarksville, Tenn., and Kimberly Townsend of Clarkton.
She also was preceded in death by three sisters: Navora Bennett, Teressa Deckard and Cynthia Townsend.
A celebration of Life is scheduled from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 26, at the De Soto Elks Lodge 689, 1520 Clarke St. Burial will be in Rose Lawn Memorial Gardens in Crystal City. Arrangements are under the direction of Vinyard Funeral Home.