Karen Elaine Lofton of Strafford, MO passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 3, 2022 surrounded by her beloved family.

Karen was born to Linda and Earl Maples on April 22, 1958 in Springfield, MO. She was raised in Springfield but graduated from Billings High.

She accomplished many things in her lifetime but she will most be remembered for her love of family. Randy and Karen met in 1996. Karen brought Stacey and Randy had Ashleigh and Alecia. Together they blended our family into what it is today and completed it when they welcomed Ryan in 2000.

She was an avid collector of all things Peanuts related. Karen loved her Christmas village scene and spending Halloween watching Karleigh trick or treat and passing out candy to all the kids. She LOVED to cook and bake. Growing up she made all of the kid’s birthday cakes to their requests whether that was Thomas the train, Pokemon or Nsync. She loved family game nights and the laughter it brought, spending time at Silver Dollar City, Friday night football and of course supporting us all in our bowling endeavors. Karen enjoyed family dinners where she may indulge in a margarita and our mini golf adventures.

Karen attended OTC for some time before beginning work at Sunshine Lanes where she would stay for 24+ years where she cooked up delicious food for all the bowlers while also making many lasting friendships with them and their families. For the last 7 years she has been at Prime, Inc. where she also made the cafeteria a brighter place with her warm smile.

We know that Karen is enveloped in love by her parents, Linda and Earl Maples, brother Kerri Maples, and Father-in-Law Kenneth Lofton who passed before her. She is survived by her husband of 24 years, Randy Lofton, her children Stacey Evans and Jessilyn Kelting of St. Charles, MO, Ryan Lofton of Strafford, MO, Alecia and Joseph Luebbert of Springfield, MO, Ashleigh and Carl Bentz of Springfield, MO, granddaughter Karleigh Bentz, Mother-in-Law, Eva Lofton, Sister-in-Law Amber Chrisman and husband Dave, Brother-in-Law, Mike Lofton as well as several nephews, niece, aunt, uncle and cousins whom she was loved by dearly (but where are the beans, Karen?)

The family would like to thank all of those who were actively praying for and checking in on Karen and the family as she was in St. Louis and the days following as well as the Dr.’s, Nurses and Chaplain staff of SSM Health St. Joseph – Lake St. Louis – ICU for their compassionate and excellent care.

Her visitation will be held at Greenlawn North in Springfield, MO on Wednesday, July 13, 2022 from 6p.m.-8.pm. Burial will be at Greenlawn North as well for family only on Thursday, July 14, 2022 at 10 a.m.