Karen Yankie Rouse, 75, passed away peacefully on November 18, 2024, at St. Luke’s Nursing Center, after a valiant battle with Glioblastoma.
Karen, a fourth-generation Carthaginian, was born on February 18, 1949, to Donald Eugene Yankie, Sr. and Erma Lee (Kussman) Yankie. Her life was steeped in local charm. Milking cows on the family dairy farm alongside her siblings became a cherished memory, and a source of pride in delivering ‘Buena Vista,’ Jasper County’s finest milk.
Karen’s charisma was evident from a young age. She easily connected with everyone, a quality that eventually earned her the coveted title of Carthage High School Homecoming Queen in 1967. Graduating that same year, she embarked on a busy life fueled by her friendly disposition, having been employed in milk (Buena Vista Dairy), at Big Smith, insurance (State Farm Insurance), cheese (Safeway), donuts (Daylight Donuts), real estate, and eventually law enforcement (Jasper County Sheriff’s Department). Every role became not just a job but a series of opportunities to touch lives and make a difference.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Karen was involved in her community. She served on numerous committees and boards, reflecting her commitment to civic engagement and her desire to contribute to the greater good. Not only a Charter Member of the Women’s Service League, she served artCentral, the HH Chapter of PEO, the Dogwood Garden Club, and numerous class reunions: 67 forever. Karen’s service was a testament to her belief in the power of unity, collective effort, and having a reason to celebrate.
Karen’s hobbies and interests were a mirror to her vibrant social personality. An avid Kansas City Chiefs fan, she shared her passion for the game with friends and family, her cheers a familiar sound during the season. Her competitive spirit found a playful outlet through shuffleboard, cards, dominoes, “wahoo”, and recently, with gusto and joy, pickleball. Karen cherished her moments of tranquility at the family’s lake retreat, where she created countless memories involving fried chicken, potato salad, bushwackers, black licorice, and cold beer, all while surrounded by nature’s beauty. She couldn’t be torn away from crackling campfires with fellow horse enthusiasts, or with lake friends. Karen’s life was frequently spent on a beach, a dock, a pontoon boat on Table Rock Lake, or exploring intercoastal waters with “Butch.”
Above all, Karen’s heart belonged to her family and her legacy lives on through them. She is survived by her loving husband, Norman Earl Rouse, celebrating 45 years of marriage in August. Her children, Jason Thomas Shelfer (Meg) and Ashley Ann Rouse; her grandchildren, Miles Edwin Shelfer (Sydney) and Flannery Maeve Shelfer; her brother, Alan Neil Yankie (Lynn), her brother-in-law, Allen Duckett; her nieces and nephews; Sheri Reidhead, Dawn Marie Mihlfeld, Kirsten Hall, Laura Hall, Robin Duiker, Leslie Guilian, and Lee Yankie; her numerous great nieces and nephews including Chad Hammond and Jaime Logan; as well as many extended family and friends. Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Donald Eugene Yankie, Sr. and Erma Lee (Kussman) Yankie; her brother, Donald Eugene “Gene” Yankie, Jr.; her sister, Donna Lee Duckett; and her grandson Greyson Thomas Shelfer. Their reunion is a comforting thought for those who loved Karen, as they envision her embraced by the love that preceded her.
Those who knew Karen will remember her as the embodiment of love, friendliness, and humor. She had the rare ability to light up a room with her laughter and to make everyone feel like they were the most important person in the world. Her legacy is not just in the lives she touched, but in the warmth and joy that will continue to resonate in the hearts of her family and friends.
Heartfelt thanks go out to many friends that pitched in these past several years, sent cards, called and visited…your support meant the world to Karen and her family.
Karen and Norman are most grateful to her team of physicians that literally gave them…more time.
Memorial services will be held at 3 pm, Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at Grace Episcopal Church, Carthage. The internment will follow at the Grace Church Columbarium. The family will receive friends at the church after the service. Memorial gifts are suggested to Glioblastoma Research Organization in care of Knell Mortuary. Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Knell Mortuary.
