Obituary for Karen Leigh Gentles

March 1, 1953 – December 2, 2025

Karen Leigh Gentles, born March 1, 1953, in East Prairie, Missouri, to Margaret Maness and Kurtis Oliver, passed away Tuesday, December 2, 2025, surrounded by the family.

Karen met George Wayne Gentles Sr. in 1970. They married each other on June 12, 1971, and by 1972 had built their home, which remained the family's home for the next five decades. Their first son, George, was born November 20, 1972. Their second son, Michael, followed later, November 23, 1985. Karen is preceded in death by her son George, and survived by Michael and his wife Ashleigh Gentles.

Karen leaves in the wake of death her grandchildren, Tyler (Kinleigh) Gentles, Meghan (Samuel Levi) Moore, Luke and Blake Gentles, and great-grandchildren Tayton, Maci, Theodore Gentles; Payson, Isaiah Fisher, and Kendall Moore.

Over the years, Karen sold Avon, worked at Brown Shoe, Jackel, and Budget Laundry part-time with her good friend Patty Brown.

To her grandsons she became well-known as the family's, "fixer of stuffies." If it had stuffing and sadness, she could repair it.

Karen was strong-willed, cantankerous when necessary (and sometimes when not), and absolutely reliable. She managed the home, handled the finances, and ensured that Wayne stayed on track—no small task. She enjoyed shopping for family, visiting friends, spending time with her family and living out her faith.

She loved her family fiercely, believed in doing things the right way, and wasn't afraid to say when something wasn't. She was known affectionately as Captain Karen, a title she lived up to by keeping everyone pointed in the right direction, whether they liked it or not.

Karen's life was defined by commitment, steadiness, and a practical kind of love that didn't need big words to make its point. She leaves behind a family who will miss her presence, her humor, her kindness, and her love.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Friday, December 5, 2025, at the Full Gospel Church in East Prairie, MO.  Funeral services will be conducted at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, December 6, 2025, at the church with the pastor, Eric McGruder, officiating.

Interment will follow in the East Prairie Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of McMikle Funeral Home in Charleston, MO.

Online condolences may be shared at www.mcmiklefuneralhome.com.