Karen Beightel, 77, of Holton, KS, passed away Wednesday, March 21, 2018 at her home. She was born September 16, 1940 in Atchison, KS, the daughter of Chester "Chet" and Jo M. (Walters) Shell.

Karen graduated from ACCHS in 1958. She was a homemaker and worked alongside her husband, Jack, on the family farm. Karen also worked for Holton Supermarket and Jackson County Extension Office.

She was a member of the First United Methodist Church; serving on several committees and had helped her husband with janitorial duties. She participated in league bowling in Holton for several years. She was also a 4-H Leader for Lucky Stars for many years.

Karen married Jack L. Beightel on November 29, 1959 in Atchison, KS. He preceded her in death on November 8, 2015; after 56 years of marriage.

Survivors include her mother, Jo Shell of Holton, KS; 4 daughters, Terri Keitel (Ward) of Holton, KS, Dina Rankin (David) of Ellsworth, KS, Gail Wood (Kelly) of Muscotah, KS and Joni Woltje (Chris) of Netawaka, KS; a brother, Bill Shell (Rhonda) of Atchison, KS; 10 grandchildren and 1 great-granddaughter.

Memorial Service will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 27, 2018 at the First United Methodist Church in Holton. Inurnment will follow in the Holton Cemetery. Family will greet friends from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Monday evening at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Memorials may be given to the First United Methodist Church or Holton Community Hospital Foundation c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436.