Karen Louise Sunderland, age 80 years, of Great Bend, Kan. passed away on Thursday morning June 16, 2022 at Azria Health Woodhaven Care Center in Great Bend. Karen was born on Oct. 1, 1941 in Hutchinson, Kan. to Raymond T. and Mary Louise (Alexander) Mullenix. Karen was raised in Bushton, Kan. and graduated from Bushton High School in 1960. Later, she became a Nurse’s Aide in Wichita, Kan. working there and also at CKMC hospital in Great Bend for several years. On March 10, 1977 Karen and Guy Sunderland were united in marriage in Great Bend. The blended family of Guy’s three daughters and Karen’s son grew larger when their only child together, Mandi Kay, was born May 15, 1978. The family lived in Dodge City, Kan. and Tulsa, Okla. before returning to Great Bend permanently. Karen became an active volunteer in the community, especially for the Central Kansas Dream Center and Soup Kitchen. She was also known for mentoring high school students and others with her faith and Bible studies. Karen was quick to respond to anyone who wanted to hear a comforting scripture, including her sisters who admired her vast knowledge and understanding of the Bible. Known as the “best cook in the family”, Karen loved making collages and was talented in many kinds of crafts. She always enjoyed fishing with her husband, Guy. Above all, Karen loved God, family, and life as a Christian woman. As everyone has struggles and hardships, Karen faced more than her share, yet she remained strong in her faith and touched so many lives with her kind, loving heart.
Karen is survived by two daughters Desiree Werth of Holyrood, Kan. and Dawn Lang of Great Bend, Kan.; seven grandchildren, Briana Feist, Sarah Tisdale, Ashley, Keshia, and Sydney Werth, Jotni Pankey and Kialy Giesking; nine great-grandchildren; four sisters, Shirley R. Jeter of Kingfisher, Okla., Trudy M. Magee of Bloomington, Ill., Nora J. Anderson of Bloomington, Ind., and Deanna S. Harris of Overland Park, Kan.; also one very special brother-in-law, Ed Harris of Overland Park, Kan.; many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 40 years, Guy L. Sunderland; two daughters:, Sue Ann Murray and Mandi K. Alexander (Sept 2002); one son, Brian Brueggemann (Oct, 2016); and one granddaughter Kirsten Danielle Desiree Coble (May, 2021).
According to Karen and Guy’s wishes, she has been interred with Guy at the Kansas Veterans Cemetery at Fort Dodge, Kan. Memorial donations are designated to either the Central Kansas Dream Center, 2100 Broadway Avenue, Great Bend, KS 67530 or the Kansas Veterans Cemetery at Ft. Dodge, Kan. Karen spent the last 4 years of her life making the Great Bend Health & Rehab, later becoming Azria Health, her home. After Guy’s passing, Karen sold their home and chose this facility on her own. She enjoyed many friends there, including caring staff and families. The activities were the highlight of her day. Bingo was rarely missed! Karen’s sisters want to extend our gratitude and appreciation for all the hard work, extended hours, phone calls, patience, and good care given to Karen. We are so glad she was “home” in her final days. Thank you! Online condolences may be left for the family and a complete obituary may be viewed at http://www.chartergreatbend.com.
Funeral arrangements provided by
Charter Funerals
2115 Washington St.
Great Bend, KS 67530
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, June 24, 2022
