Karen Sue Kenney, 85, of Overland Park, Kansas, passed away peacefully at home on June 23, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born on September 23, 1940, in Kansas City, Missouri, Karen was the daughter of F.H. and Tina Selden. She lived a life defined by creativity, generosity, and an unwavering devotion to her family.

Karen shared a lifetime of love with her husband, William K. Kenney, and together they built a home where family was always the center of everything. She is lovingly remembered by William; her daughters, Carolyn Huffman of Lawrence, Kansas, and Lisa Wright of Prairie Village, Kansas; her grandchildren, Alexis Luinstra of Austin, Texas, Garrett Luinstra of Branson, Missouri, Courtney Summers and Tim Huffman of Lawrence, Kansas, Jessica Sharpe of Louisburg, Kansas, and Olivia, Emilia, and Allison Wright of Prairie Village, Kansas; and her great-grandchildren, Mio and Eliott Summers, and Daniel and Peter Sharpe. She is also survived by her identical twin sister, Sharen Fischer of Houston, Texas.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Tina Selden Nickel of Scottsdale, Arizona; and her son-in-law, Brian Luinstra.

Karen earned her Bachelor of Science in Art Education from the University of Missouri–Kansas City before continuing her education with a Master of Science in Art Education from the University of Idaho. She taught middle school art before dedicating herself to raising her family as a stay-at-home mother, a role she cherished most.

A lifelong Presbyterian, Karen found joy in serving others and staying involved in her community. She enjoyed playing tennis and was active in P.E.O., Junior League, and Chi Omega. She volunteered as a Camp Fire leader, served as a PTA room mother, sponsored cheerleading, and helped create yearbooks for Oak Park Elementary. She also loved to travel and was an enthusiastic Kansas Jayhawks fan.

While Karen’s accomplishments were many, those who knew her best will remember her for the love she poured into everyday moments. Her grandchildren knew they would always be greeted with warm chocolate chip cookies fresh from the oven. Birthdays were made unforgettable with her homemade beef stroganoff and Grammy’s famous chocolate cake. She had a remarkable gift for making every person who walked through her door feel welcomed, celebrated, and deeply loved.

Karen’s life took her from her childhood in Raytown, Missouri, to Pocatello, Idaho, Derby, Kansas, and finally Overland Park, Kansas, where she made countless lifelong friendships and memories.

A funeral service celebrating Karen’s life will be held on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Johnson County Memorial Gardens and Funeral Chapel. Visitation will immediately follow the service. The service will be officiated by Scott Huffman.

Karen’s artistic spirit, generous heart, quiet strength, and unconditional love for her family will remain an enduring legacy. Though she will be deeply missed, the warmth she shared so freely will continue to live on in the lives of all who knew and loved her.