Karen Lavaughn Schroeder

January 3, 1952 - April 29, 2018

Karen Lavaughn Schroeder, daughter of the late William Junior and Leona May (Prock) Atterberry, was born January 3, 1952 in Brawley, California. When Karen was just a child, her family moved back home to Missouri, where she began attending school in Waynesville, graduating from WHS in 1970. She valued a good education and began taking some college classes. Karen soon began working in a lumber yard, as a bookkeeper in accounting. She later began her forty year career with Civil Service at Ft. Leonard Wood as a Property Book Officer, before retiring on June 3, 2015. On July 27, 1989, Karen was married to the love of her life, Kenneth Charles Schroeder, the couple shared over twenty eight years together and a lifetime of wonderful memories. In Karen’s spare time she enjoyed crocheting, puzzles, fishing, hiking, photography, gardening and crafts. Karen was also a jokester, and was known to have a warped sense of humor; she loved practicing sarcasm on occasion. Karen found great joy in trying to teach her daughter the appreciation of classic rock music too. She loved life and treasured the times spent with her family and friends. A few years ago, Karen made a profession of faith, following in baptism and was a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church, Richland, Missouri. Karen struggled with health issues for several years; but she never let it get her down. Karen lived her life every day to its fullest and always with Kenn, right there by her side. However, Karen’s long courageous hard fought battle ended on the morning of Sunday, April 29, 2018, at St. Anthony’s Medical Center in St. Louis, Missouri, with her devoted husband, Kenn by her side, having attained the age of 66 years, 3 months, and 26 days; Karen went home to be with her Lord. Karen leaves behind to cherish her memory, her loving husband, Kenneth Schroeder of the home; three children: Kirsten Atterberry of Ft. Hood, TX, Candice Hamms of St. Peters, MO and Chastity Hamms of Waynesville, MO; three grandchildren: Ruthanna Albert, Kendra Mubarak and Nolan Bowling; one great-grandson: Cameron Mubarak; one nephew: Dominique Pemberton; and her precious little puppy, Jasmine; other relatives and friends. Karen was preceded in death by her parents, one sister, Sharen Atterberry and one brother, Leland Atterberry. Karen’s kindness and beautiful smile will be sadly missed however; her legacy will forever remain in the lives of those she loved so deeply. A memorial service was held at 6:00 p.m., Thursday, May 3, 2018 in the Memorial Chapel of Richland with Pastor Christopher Hendrix officiating. Karen’s favorite songs, “Right Down the Line” and “Lead Me Home” were played. Services were under the care and direction of Memorial Chapel of Richland. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Karen Lavaughn Schroeder and may be left at the funeral home.