Karen Louise Williams was born on June 3, 1943 in Chattanooga, Tennessee to Herman Vance and Helen LeVerne (Cochran) Swafford.  In 1947 Herman and Helen moved their family to Anthony, Kansas.  Karen lived there until she was united in marriage to William Claire (Bill) Williams in 1961.  In 1963 Bill and Karen moved to Walsh, Colorado.  They lived there until 1965 when they moved back to Kansas to raise their four children: Shawn, Stacey, Sonya, and Vance in Harper.  In 1979 they moved into their forever home on the farm.  Many memories were made for them, their children, grand and great-grandchildren, and many others on the farm.

Karen's love for her family was unmatched.  She spent so much time with her grandkids. They have the fondest memories of her: a few being birthday shopping trips, homemade hot chocolate after sledding, playing bingo, watching The Sound of Music and Pollyanna, breakfast after every sleepover-especially french toast, golf cart rides, and endless love and care on the occasional sick day.

There was an understood open-door policy at Karen's for friends and family alike.  She welcomed and encouraged them to come for holiday celebrations and homecooked meals.  It's always been said that some had an instinct to visit the day she was making her legendary potato burritos and salsa.  Her door remained unlocked until the day she passed.

Karen passed on January 25, 2023, at the age of 79.  She was at peace knowing she was able to pass in the same way her husband did, in their home, surrounded by family.  Karen is proceeded in death by her parents, Herman and Helen; husband, Bill; and siblings: Herman Lee Swafford Jr, Gayle Horyna, and Brenda Maunz.  She is survived by siblings: Pat Norris of Wellington, Leon Swafford of Harper, Linda Alton (Phil) of Wellington, and Tommy Swafford of Hutchinson; her children: Shawn Williams (Sue) of Harper, Stacey Smith (Jim) of Harper, Sonya Smith (Fred) of Stillwater, Oklahoma, and Vance Williams of Harper; grandchildren: Alyssa Williams-Golding (Justin), Kirk Williams, Seth Williams, Bailey Longbine (Joel), Skyler Smith, Denee Acord (Bradley), Sierra Hall (Joseph), Alex Fender (Nick), Aspen Williams (Nathan Davis), Auni Williams, Gunner Williams, and Vohn Williams; twenty-three great-grandchildren; other relatives and many friends.

Friends may register from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.

Memorial Service is 2:00 p.m. Monday, January 30, 2023 at Prairie Rose Funeral Home in Harper with Pastor Royce Vogt officiating.  Private family inurnment will take place at the Harper Cemetery on a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made payable to the Harper City Pool or Harper Recreation Commission and can be sent in care of Prairie Rose Funeral Homes, 613 W 14th St ~ Harper, Kansas 67058.