Karen Kay Bates, age 69, passed away on Tuesday, January 2, 2024 at Hospice House surrounded by her loving family.
Born in Columbus, OH on June 25, 1954, she is the daughter of Leaver and Onie (Pritchett) Humphrey. She attended local schools and earned her associate degree from Gateway Technical College.
On July 16, 1982, Karen was united in marriage to Roger Bates.
Karen proudly served her country as an E-5 Storekeeper 2nd Class for the United States Navy.
From 1972-1994, she was employed with the U.S. Navy/Navel Reserves, in 2003 she worked as a stocker for Wal-Mart, retiring in 2020.
Karen and her husband moved from Virginia Beach, VA after 33 years, making Kenosha their new home. She enjoyed reading, watching TV, movies and yard sales.
She will be dearly missed by her loving husband, Roger; her daughter, Laura Bates; her grandchildren, Christopher, Holly and Chelsea Lippert; her brothers, Brian Eric Humphrey, Mike Patrick Humphrey and her sister, Kathy Louise Rathburn.
Memorial services honoring Karen’s life will be held at a later date.
