Karen Joyce Hey

Karen Joyce Hey, 84, of Independence, Kansas passed away peacefully at her residence on Monday, September 8, 2025, surrounded by family.

Karen was born on January 11, 1941, in Chautauqua County, Kansas, the daughter of Ralph and Violet (Storms) McAlister. Karen graduated as the Valedictorian of her class from Elk Falls High School in 1959 and furthered her education at Independence Community College.

On October 1, 1960, Karen married Frank M. Hey in Miami, Oklahoma, and together they built a life filled with love and laughter until his passing on August 31, 2013.

Throughout her career, she worked with several organizations, including Electra, Montgomery Ward, and Citizens National Bank in Independence. Later, she spent many years with KG&E before retiring. A beloved member of her community, Karen was known for her kind and welcoming personality, always making those around her feel at ease. Her great sense of humor and warm smile brought joy to many.

Karen had a variety of interests that brought her joy. She enjoyed watching game shows on television, especially Family Feud, and was a wonderful cook and baker. She loved attending her grandchildren's events whenever she could. Additionally, she cherished visiting friends and was a devoted fan of Kansas Basketball while always enjoying a good Pepsi.

She was member of the First United Methodist Church in Independence and enjoyed attending all the Masonic Lodge events with her husband Frank.

She was a devoted mother to her two children: daughter, Joyce Marcum, and her husband Bob, along with their two children, Jordan Watson of Andover, Kansas and Hunter Marcum of Russell, Kansas; and son, Craig Hey, and his wife Candra, along with their three children, Hunter Allison, Piper, and Fisher Hey of Cherryvale, Kansas.

Karen is preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Violet (Storms) McAlister, and her siblings: Wilson McAlister, Darrell McAlister, Melvin McAlister, Phyllis Hawkins, Darlene Stephenson, Mary Ann Osborn, Wanda McAlister, and Helen McAlister.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Independence, Kansas, on Monday, September 15, 2025, starting at 10:00 AM.

A burial of the cremated remains for both Frank and Karen will immediately follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Independence, Kansas.

Memorial remembrances are suggested to the Shriners Hospitals for Children or First United Methodist Church and may be left or mailed to Wickham Family Funeral & Cremation Service, 216 East 4th, Cherryvale, Kansas 67335

Karen Joyce Hey will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the pleasure of knowing her.