Karen Leigh Sobanek

Karen Leigh Sobanek of Prairie Village Ks, passed away unexpectedly on May 19, 2024 at Menorah Medical Center. She was one of three daughter's born to John Ed & Dona Mayes and she was born in Muskogee, Ok. The family later moved to Overland Park and Karen graduated from Shawnee Mission North High School.  She was the owner of Hisco Design/Build and later was an executive assistant at several companies.  

On January 6, 1973 she became the mother of her son, Gary Freeman. She is survived by her husband, Ron Sobanek; a sister, Leigh Ann Clinton-Mayes of Freeport Fl; and all her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

In July of 1989 she met her husband Ron Sobanek. They were then married on June 19,1999. As a blended family they had 4 sons Gary Freeman (Kat) of Shawnee Ks, Ron Sobanek Jr. (Danielle) of Douglas Ks, Don Sobanek of Shawnee Ks, and Mark Sobanek (Alyson) of Oologah, Ok..

Between the 4 boys there are 12 grandchildren Taylor Gutierrez (Gus), Zoe, Suki, Eliza and Trinity Spangler, Michael Sobanek (Sabrina), Ronald Sobanek lll, Megan Leis (Greg), Nikayla Kramer (Chris), Michael Elliot, Joseph Sobanek (Bailey), Maxwell Sobanek and 7 great grandchildren, Abel & Abigail (Taylor) Shane & Lucus (Meagan), Sunny (Joseph) and Jillian & Henry (Nakayla).

She enjoyed spending time with her loved ones. She enjoyed making stained glass, gardening and taking photos while sitting on her front porch watching hummingbirds and drinking her coffee. 

She is preceded in death by both of her parents, Dona & John Ed Mayes; a sister, Rachel Ann Westfall and other family members. 

In lieu of flowers please make donations to the American Heart Foundation and/or The Cancer Foundation.