Karen Robbins

In Loving Memory of Karen Robbins February 21st, 1950 – May 31st, 2025
Karen Robbins, also affectionately known as Gugu, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to many, passed away unexpectedly in her sleep at her home. She was 75 years old.
Born on February 21st, 1950 in Marceline, Missouri, Karen was raised with humble beginnings that shaped her into the resilient and hardworking woman so many admired. She graduated from Marceline High School and later made her way to Manhattan, Kansas, drawn by her husband's service through the military - a move that would define the rest of her life in love, family, and faith.
The absolute light of Karen's life were her three children: Jay Robbins (Kansas City, MO), Elizabeth Ballou (Brett - Manhattan, KS), and Bryson Robbins (Liz - St. George, KS), each of whom carry forward her deep values of loyalty, compassion, and strength. As a grandmother to Cody, Isabella, Ellie, Addie, Brecken, Brooklynn, Layton, Colton, Marcel, Sharon, Kobe, Micah, Isaiah, and a great-grandmother to little Kai, Karen's legacy lives on through each of their smiles, their hearts, and their lives. She is survived by her cherished brother Vernon Padgett (Cherie Marceline, MO) and her half sister Jeannie. Karen was proceeded in death by her parents August and Shirley Padgett, and her sister Carol Ann Padgett.
A woman of unmatched grace and determination, Karen wore many hats throughout her lifetime. She was a devoted daycare provider for over 25 years, who touched the lives of countless children with her gentle nature. She served as a beloved house mother for the Tri Delta sorority at Kansas State University for 20 years where she became a second mother to hundreds of young women. Karen's work in beauty school, a realtor, and a talented seamstress only proves she was a human dynamo, that would remind you of being everyone's fairy godmother and Mary Poppins. Her sartorial skills further proved her boundless energy and commitment to helping others, always with warmth and care.
Karen had an extraordinary work ethic, rooted in her modest upbringing, and a spirit that never wavered. She was selfless to her core, always placing the needs of others before her own, and her love knew no limits. Whether baking a fresh batch of French bread for a neighbor, or offering a listening ear to someone in need, Karen's presence brought comfort and joy to those around her.
Her faith was the cornerstone of her life - unwavering and profound. Karen truly walked in the image of God, living her life as a reflection of divine love. To those who knew her, she was more than a woman; she was an angel on Earth.
Karen Robbins leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and service. Her light will continue to shine in the lives of her family and in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her.
A celebration of Karen's life will be held on Saturday June 28th, 2025, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Black Jack Hills (13450 Chapman Rd, St. George, KS 66535). A service will begin at 5:00 pm where stories, prayers, and memories will be shared in honor of this remarkable woman.
Karen lived to love, and her legacy will live on forever.