Maybelline “May” Joyce Karst, 87, passed away Nov. 19, 2020, at Medicalodges of Great Bend. She was born March 2, 1933, at the farm, in rural Milberger, to George and Mary (Kraft) Steinert. May married Leonard Karst April 16, 1950, at Evangelical Immanuel Lutheran Church, north of Milberger, Kan.  

May, a resident of Great Bend since 1968, moving from the farm in Galatia, was baptized and confirmed at Emmanuel Missouri Synod Lutheran Church, south of Milberger, and was currently a longtime member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Great Bend. Her many church involvements at Trinity included Sunday School, ushering, greeting, Monday Bible School Class, Rebecca Circle, home communion ministry, flower and cookie delivery, and planning various soup suppers. She retired as a CNA at ElderCare, previously working as a dietician for the Dominican Sisters of Peace and Central Kansas Medical Center and Cherry Village, Medstaff, J.C. Penney, Kmart, and was a previous owner of the Zarah Cafe. Her volunteer spirit was displayed through the Stephan Ministry program, Barton County Food Bank and Red Cross blood drives. May enjoyed reading, crocheting, knitting, crafting and time spent with family. 

Survivors include husband Leonard Karst; two sons, Allen Karst and wife Doris of Great Bend and Michael Karst and wife Tracey of Springfield, Mo.; two daughters, Debra Karst of Pflugerville, Texas, and Loralie Weller of Great Bend; eight grandchildren, Amy Paden and husband David, Timothy Karst and wife Shari, Jeremy Weller and wife Brooke, Kaleia Karst, Kelsey Karst, Keaton Karst, Zachary Karst and Michael Anderson; six great grandchildren, Daulton Paden, Dylon Paden, Cody Karst, Luke Karst, Mason Paden and Jaron Anderson; and one great great grandchild, Isom Paden; sisters-in-law, Loene Karst and Darlene Reber; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in passing by one great great granddaughter, Brecklyn Paden; brother, Reuben Steinert and wife Edna; sisters, Rosa Boxberger, Virginia Boxberger and Edna Tittel; brothers-in-law, Clarence Boxberger, Clinton Karst, Raymond Tittel, Sigmund Boxberger and Lou Reber; and several nieces and nephews.

Graveside service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, May 7, 2021, at the Great Bend Cemetery, with Pastor Adam Wutka presiding. Memorials may be given to Trinity Lutheran Church, in care of Bryant Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Bryant Funeral Home

1425 Patton Road

Great Bend, KS 67530

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, May 2, 2021