Karen Morrison

Karen Jean (Carr) Morrison , 81, was called to her Heavenly home on August 18, 2023. She was a loving Wife, Mother, Grandmother, and Christian.

Born May 2, 1942, to Gordon and Sylvia (Houston) Carr of rural Colby, KS, Karen was the oldest of their four children. She grew up on the family farm, southeast of Colby, and attended Colby Public Schools, graduating in 1960. Lured by sophomore classmate Jim Morrison's repeated offerings of gum and candy, Karen and Jim began dating and eventually married on August 25, 1963, at the Gem Baptist Church. Like the original sticky and sweet enticements, Karen and Jim 'stuck together' for 47 years, strengthening and sweetening each other's lives, creating a loving family, enduring heartaches, and serving their community. To their marriage were born three sons: James Michael (1965-1986), Jeffrey Beckner (1967), and Jon Scott (1969). An adopted daughter Lisa joined the family in 1974.

Karen, a Registered Nurse, (1963 graduate of Stormont Vail School of Nursing, Topeka, KS) and Dr. Jim, Optometrist, (1964 graduate of KU and 1967 graduate of Southern College of Optometry, Memphis, TN) served professionally in both Memphis and Garden City, KS, before returning to Colby where they gave lifetimes of professional and volunteer service to their beloved 'hometown.' After their children were grown, Karen and Jim spent 18 years travelling to and from legislative sessions in Topeka where Jim served as State Representative for the 121st District.

Beyond nursing, Karen had many creative interests. She loved antique dolls and knew the specific history and qualities of each one. She was an accomplished tole painter and enjoyed sewing, quilling and ceramics. She loved children and 'critters,' and spent years volunteering as Cub and Boy Scout Den Mother and 4-H Leader, raising and rescuing Sheltie dogs, and being a benefactor to area animal shelters. She was an excellent cook and dessert maker- her chocolate sheet cake was regularly requested for birthdays and family gatherings. Likewise, until health limitations, Karen enjoyed hosting family gatherings and holiday celebrations.

Above all, Karen valued and loved her family. Being 'Mom and Grandma' was her greatest Joy. Karen annually hosted a 'Family Vacation', with children and grandchildren uniting year after year, usually to mountain locations, where they vigorously enjoyed each other in the beautiful outdoors. Those family vacations, a 'Forever Gift,' remain a priceless memory and a lasting legacy.

As 'Grandma' to eight grandsons and three granddaughters, Karen played endless games of Ghostbuster, G-I Joe, and Wii Bowling. She had a keen sense of humor, quick wit, ready laugh, and loved a good-natured, practical joke. Enjoying humorist Erma Bombeck and 'The Far Side' comic strip served as motivation for Karen to sometimes create her own comics, sending to family members as situations presented themselves!

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Gordon and Sylvia Carr; her in-laws, Pete and Louise Morrison; her son and daughter-in-law, Mike and Karen (Hornbaker) Morrison; her beloved husband, Jim Morrison; brother Dr. Lynn Carr and his children, Katie and Adam; and sister-in-law, Laura (Parks) Carr.

She is survived by her 3 children, 11 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren: Dr. Jeff and Rachelle Morrison, of Colby, and their children, Jaden, wife Elizabeth and daughter Nora, of Marretta OH, Carter, of Tahlequah, OK, Darius, Kennedy and Campbell, of Colby; Mr. Scott Morrison, Topeka, and children, Jarrett, wife Cassidy and children Hazen, Levin and Callen; Jace and fiancé Allison; and Ardy, all of the Kansas City area; Lisa and children Amanda and Jonathan; grandson Eric Morrison and Nat of California; a sister and brother-in-law, Pam and Dr. Chuck Sourk, Scott City; brother, Dr. Neil Carr, Topeka; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Visitation is 5-7:00 p.m. Friday, August 25, 2023, at Celebration Community Church, Colby, KS. Funeral Service is at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 26, 2023, at Celebration Community Church, with burial in Beulah Cemetery, Colby, KS. Memorials may be made to the Thomas County Community Foundation or Thomas County Historical Society and sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For information or condolences visit baalmannmortuary.com