Karen Sue Hughlett (nee Russell), born on April 4, 1942, in Webb City, Mo., passed away on February 22, 2024, in Joplin, Mo. She was a loving daughter, devoted sister, supportive wife, and caring mother. Karen was dedicated to her community and her church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Joplin.
She was an administrator at the Boys Club of Joplin for several years, working with youth sports programs and afterschool and summer activities. As a parent, she served as president of the Parent Teacher Organization at Emerson Elementary School and coached youth soccer. Additionally, Karen served as a seminary teacher and regional supervisor for her church and volunteered as an Election Official for the Jasper County Board of Elections. In her free time, Karen enjoyed sewing and quilting, genealogy and family history research, reading mystery novels, and watching Star Trek. She graduated from Webb City High School in 1960.
Karen is survived by her husband, William Earl Hughlett, Jr.; her brother, Jeffrey Allen Russell; her sons, Kenneth Allen Hughlett, Roger Wayne Hughlett, and Philip Charles Hughlett; her daughters-in-law, Tamara Hughlett and Zahra Safavian; and her grandchildren, Dylan Allen Hughlett, Azita Safavian Hughlett, Atoosa Safavian Hughlett, Arianna Joy Hughlett and Chloe Suzanne Hughlett.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to the Boys & Girls Club of Southwest Missouri. Karen Sue Hughlett will be dearly missed by her family, friends, and all who knew her.
Lovingly written by the family
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