Karen Murray

Karen Murray was born on Feb. 12, 1943 to her doting parents, Troy and Anna. They raised Karen and her older sister on a farm in rural Ash Grove. After graduating as high school valedictorian, she received her degree in education from Missouri State University (formerly SMSU). She married John Whitesell and taught 5th and 6th grade until she and John bought land and moved to rural Lockwood. She helped raise funds for the Lockwood American Legion Hall by selling engraved bricks. As a strong supporter of 4H and FFA, she also served as a 4H project leader. She enjoyed her involvement with the Lockwood Business and Professional Women and was honored to be selected by that group as “Woman of the Year.” She went back to college and got a second degree from MSU in communications & mass media.
She created stained glass for more than 40 years. She was honored to design and build the stained glass window over the altar at the Lockwood Christian Church. During a trip to South America, she developed a passion for the Argentine Tango. She bought and renovated a building on the Mt. Vernon square, where she opened a stained glass studio and taught lessons. Above her studio she renovated a ballroom, “Murray’s Vintage Venue,” where she could host events, receptions, and the yearly Tango festival that she organized and named “Meet in the Middle.” 
She is survived by her sister, Donna Mulkey, her children Dana Chambers, Dr. Angie Whitesell Vukcevich and Adam Whitesell. Her daughter-in-law (Dr. Bethany Whitesell), sons-in-law (Jerry Chambers and Joseph Vukcevich), and her ex-sons in law (Tom Sowell and Jeremy Neely). Grandchildren and great grandchildren.
She developed Parkinson’s disease and dementia and lived her last few years under the loving care of the staff and nurses of the Good Shepherd Nursing Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Good Shepherd Nursing Home, the Lockwood Band or Ozarks Public Television Per her request, a private graveside burial will be held at the Davidson Cemetery.
 
Memorial contributions may be sent to Greenfield Funeral Chapel, 61 N. Allison Ave., Greenfield,