Karen Lovingier, 55, of LaPlata, MO passed away on May 8, 2017 at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO due to compilations from Scleroderma. Karen was born on January 19, 1962 in Kirksville, MO to the parents of Ivan and Gail (Mansfield) Clarkson.
On November 16, 1979 she was united in marriage to Larry Lovingier of LaPlata, MO. Together they lived in the LaPlata area, most of the time in homes that Larry built for them. They enjoyed spending time outdoors together, taking trips together, visiting with friends and family, and most of all being with their children and grandchildren.
Karen is survived by her husband Larry, children Rachel O’Brien & husband Nate, Brandon Lovingier & wife Becca, and Nicholas Lovingier & significant other Brittany Snow, grandchildren Raegan & Corbin O’Brien, Owen Lovingier, and Russell Lovingier, parents Ivan and Gail Clarkson, in-laws Dora and Gerald Lovingier, siblings Cathy Lewis & husband Rick, Kenny Clarkson & wife Holly, Doug Clarkson & wife Paula, Linda Jepson & husband Gary, and Janice Clarkson, many nieces and nephews, and close friend Sarah Eber & husband Carl. She was proceeded in death by her grandparents Earnest and Lucille Clarkson, Glen and Mary Grace Mansfield, & Great Aunt Faye Mansfield.
Karen graduated from LaPlata High School in 1980. She went on to have many different jobs over the years that were all supportive of her main focus of raising her children. Karen built Kare Pet Grooming into a very steady business, as well as took on many detailed projects as a seamstress. She was diagnosed with Scleroderma in 2000 and was unable to continue her grooming and sewing. She went to college for the first time after that and got her associates from MACC, bachelors from Truman State University, and masters in counseling from Quincy University. Karen did various jobs after that point, but really enjoyed counseling and helping people.
Karen loved anything to do with being outdoors, especially activities with animals. She loved horseback riding and traveled all over riding. Every year she grew an amazing vegetable garden, and tended to all the flowers and trees in her yard. Karen also enjoyed creating art and being creative. She really enjoyed sharing her story and passions with many people along the way, including her Amish friends.
Karen was passionate about advocating for Scleroderma and traveled all over to attend conferences and even visiting with congress in Washington DC. She was a member of the LaPlata Baptist Church, board member for the Missouri Chapter of the Scleroderma Foundation, Scleroderma support group leader, member & leader of the Oklahoma Indians 4-H club, member & regional director of TOPS MO877, and member of Beta Sigma Phi, Upsilon Mu chapter.
Karen's wish was to be cremated and a Celebration of her life will be held Saturday, May 13, 2017 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the chapel of Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville, Missouri.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to her husband, Larry Lovingier. Donations may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.