Karen Estelle Massey

Karen Estelle Massey, daughter of John Junior and Earline (Dean) Metheny, was born on April 6, 1956 in Peoria, Illinois, and passed away on December 18, 2010 at her residence north of Norwood, Missouri. She was 54 years, 8 months, and 12 days of age.
Karen grew up in Peoria and attended school in Princeville, Illinois. In 1974 she moved to the Mexico and California, Missouri areas and had lived in Wright County, near Norwood for the past several years.
She enjoyed horseback riding, painting, riding motorcycles, gardening and taking care of her plants. She also liked family get-togethers and cooking large family dinners. She loved her family very much and especially cherished the time she spent with her grandchildren and taking walks with them.
Karen was preceded in death by her father: John Metheny; and by a sister: Gina Metheny.
She is survived by her daughter: Annie Carpenter of Norwood, Missouri; three grandchildren: Dylan, Ashley and Karley Carpenter; her mother: Earline Metheny of Mexico, Missouri; one brother: John Metheny; two sisters: Debra Banks and Rachel Metheny, all of Mexico, Missouri; several nieces; nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends who will miss her very much.
One of Karen’s favorite sayings was “weep for your loved one, “but briefly,” for their eyes have seen God.”

I AM NOT THERE
Do not stand at my grave and weep, I am nor there – I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow; I am the diamond glints on snow; I am the sunlight on ripened grain, I am the gentle autumn’s rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush, I am the swift uplifting rush Of quiet birds in circled flight. I am the soft stars that shine at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry, I am not there, I did not die.

Robert Hepburn