SALINA — Karen Frances Churchman, 72, of Salina, Kansas, passed away Thursday, December 31st, 2020.

Karen was born in Great Bend, Kansas on August 6, 1948, a daughter of the late Christine Marie (Mauler) and John Raymond Lichter.

She graduated from Otis High School, Otis, Kansas in 1966 and graduated from Brown Mackie College in 1967.

On October 21, 1967, Karen married Ralph Churchman in Olmitz, Kansas. 

She was the Secretary to the State Conservationist at Natural Resources Conservation Services and retired in 2010 after 41 1/2 years of service. 

Survivors include daughters, Kimberly Mick, (John) of Salina, Kansas, Debie Nickelson, (Troy) of Assaria, Kansas; sister, Janice Read, of Houston, Texas; brothers, Kevin Lichter, (Lana) of Kansas City, Missouri and Jody Lichter, (Tandy) of Great Bend, Kansas. She is also survived by four grandchildren, Madison, Kennedy, Evan, and Ian and many other family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Ralph Churchman and sister, Janet Lichter.

Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday, January 8th at Carlson-Geisendorf Funeral Home, Salina, Kansas. Masks are required.

Due to COVID-19, private family graveside services will be at Crown Point Cemetery in Culver, Kansas.

Donations may be made to Crown Point Cemetery, sent in care of Carlson-Geisendorf Funeral Home, 500 S. Ohio St., Salina, Kansas 67401.

To send an online condolence, visit www.carlsonfh.netor on Facebook.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Carlson-Geisendorf Funeral Home

500 S. Ohio St.

Salina, KS 67401

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Jan. 3, 2021