Karen Kay Reeve

Karen Kay Reeve, age 73 of Nixa, entered into her eternal rest on September 7, 2024 at her home. She was a member of Hopedale Baptist Church in Ozark where she served in church ministries.

 Karen was born in Monett, Missouri, to James Harold and Edith (Reynolds) Skaggs on October 4, 1950. She grew up in the Wentworth, Missouri area and attended Wentworth and Central Elementaries. She graduated Salutatorian of the class of 1968 from Pierce City High School. Karen earned a B.S. in education with honors from Southwest Missouri State College (Missouri State University) in 1972. She received a M.S. from the University of Arkansas in 1976. 

 Her educational career included teaching at Stockton High School, McDonald County High School, Joplin schools and Pittsburg State University. After retirement from teaching she started a small business – Simple Organizing Systems. 

Karen married George L. Reeve on December 11, 1976. To this union two children were born: Daniel Justin and Amber Nicole. Family was the most important thing in her life and she loved them all dearly. After living in Joplin, Missouri for 44 years, she and George moved to Nixa, Missouri in March of 2020 to be closer to family. 

Karen is survived by her husband of 47 years, George Reeve of Nixa; her son, Dan Reeve and wife DeAun of Nixa, and her daughter, Amber Lenz and husband Nathan of Germantown, Tennessee; five grandchildren, Max, Gretchen, Bridget, Harriet and Meredith. She is also survived by her brother, Dale Skaggs and wife Kathy of Granby, Missouri. 

Karen was preceded in death by her parents. 

 A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, September 10, 2024 at Hopedale Baptist Church, Ozark, under direction of Adams Funeral Home, Nixa, with Pastor Mark Arnold officiating. Visitation will be from 10-11 a.m. immediately before the memorial service at the church. 

 A graveside service will be held on November 29, 2024 at Missouri Veterans Cemetery. Cremation rites will be accorded by Adams Crematory.