Karen Sue Stocker Schnell's Obituary
Karen Sue Stocker Schnell, age 77, of Fayetteville, AR passed away Tuesday, May 6, 2025. She was born January 24, 1948, in Pittsburg, Kansas. Her parents, Leslie “Bud” Stocker, and Mable Meeker Glad, preceded her in death.
Education and family were cornerstones of Karen’s life. She was an academic star from a young age, earning valedictorian of the class of 1966 Southeast High School of Cherokee, Kansas. Karen earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Kansas State College of Pittsburg, a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Kansas and later an advanced practice registered nursing degree. She taught nursing at NEO A&M College for 14 years and later worked as a nurse practitioner, in Grove, Oklahoma, for Dr. Joseph Chouteau. In more recent years, Karen worked in the town of Lake Ozark, Missouri and Fayetteville, Arkansas before retiring in 2016.
Karen married Richard Lawson, in Columbus, Kansas, on May 12, 1967. Two children, Rick and Holly, were born of that union. Karen married Douglas Schnell in 1991. He preceded her in death.
Karen’s greatest joy was her family. She was a devoted mother, Mimi, and sister. Karen treasured traditions. Christmas Eve church services, surrounded by her children and grandchildren, were a particular highlight, followed by time together at her lovely home. Everyone enjoyed family recipes of homemade noodles, her secret fudge, Chex mix, pumpkin bread, and personalized gifts.
Karen was a devoted Christian, a woman of unwavering faith and a beloved daughter of God. She displayed compassionate empathy throughout her life and lived by example. Helping others was central to her ethos and life mission. She left behind many devoted family members and friends who learned sweet lessons about God’s goodness by watching her live it out.
Karen enjoyed crocheting and was an integral part of Giving Back Crochet, which donates crocheted items overseas to underprivileged people. She also crocheted pray shawls for ladies of her church. Karen delighted in reading books, Hallmark Christmas shows, curating and cultivating her beautiful flower gardens, spa visits, shopping and spending time with her furry babies, Bentley, Daisy, and Bailey.
Survivors include her children, Rick Lawson (Jo), Holly Lawson Linders; a sister, Linda Franz (Brian); her grandchildren, Maeleigh Soper Pampinella (Nick), Victoria Lawson, Landon Lawson, and Bristol Linders. A niece, Amanda Lopez and a nephew, Dustin Muse.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at Christ Church, 4201 N. Shiloh Drive #98 in Fayetteville, AR.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Purpose Brands 414/Beautiful Lives, supporting local women and children in crisis, 4262 S. Thompson Street, Springdale, AR 72764.
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