Karen Darlene Franklin

Karen Darlene (Mills) Franklin, 85, passed away Tuesday, March 21, 2023, at her residence in Odessa, Missouri.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00a.m., Thursday, March 30, 2023 at the Ralph O. Jones Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Dover Cemetery in Dover Missouri. Memories of Karen and condolences for her family may be left at www.LedfordFamilyFH.com or on our Facebook Page.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Ralph O. Jones Funeral Home, 306 South Second Street, Odessa, Missouri 64076, 816-633-5524.

Karen was born in Spencer, Iowa, February 12, 1938, to James Roy and Darlene (Boardman) Mills. Karen was a head cook of Rest Haven Nursing Home in Independence, Missouri. Karen was a member of the First Baptist Church in Odessa, Missouri. Karen was united in marriage to Leland Douglas Franklin in New Mexico on April 9, 1957. Leland preceded her in death on March 3, 2013. Along with spending time with her family, Karen enjoyed gardening, canning, cooking, quilting, and collecting antiques.

Karen is survived by her one child, Leland Franklin (Nancy Harrington), three grandchildren; Tiffany (Stephen) Renick of Odessa, MO, Bryan Franklin of Independence, MO, and Luke Rheaume of Independence, MO; two great grandchildren, Lindsey Renick of Odessa, MO, and Carter Renick of Odessa, MO, three sisters; Colleen Burt of Des Moines, IA, Kathleen Linn (Jean) of Urbandale, IA, and LuAnn Reese (John) of Laurens, IA; and one brother, Kevin Mills (Wendy) of Marathon, IA; and many nieces, nephews, relative and friends.

Karen was preceded in death by both of her parents, three children; Karen Franklin, Dawn Wheeler, Pamela Franklin; two brothers, Jim and Bryce Mills.