Karen Sue Burnett

Karen Sue Burnett, of Bella Vista, AR was called home on Thursday, February 13, 2025 surrounded by family at Mercy Hospital. She was born August 30th, 1956 at Fort Scott Air Force Base in St. Clair County, IL to Paul Andrew and Doris Jean (Cadwell) Funk.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents and spouse, Ricky Burnett Sr.

Karen is survived by her daughter, Althea Webb and husband, Richard of Bentonville; three sons, Ricky Jr. of Bella Vista, Dustin and wife Audrey of Bella Vista, and Michael and wife, Jona of Bentonville; sister, Mariann Shemayme and husband, Alan of Moore, OK; brother Paul Andrew “Andy” Funk of Jenkins, MO; grandchildren, Mason and wife Abby, Isaiah, Ricky III, Rachel, Rylie, Elijah, Reagan, Abigail, Zaydon, and Bradli; great-grand twins, Jaxon and Juliet; loved ones, William “Frank” Saxon, Rebekkah Burnett O’Connor, & James “Randy”Vandeveegaete, and her beloved Bengal cat, “Miss Boo Kitty”.

Karen leaves behind a legacy of love, creativity, and kindness. She began her working career at Bates Memorial Hospital in Bentonville, followed by several years of service with Wal-Mart Home Office. Afterwards, she made countless friends during her time as a manager for The Music Room, Tony C’s, Fred’s Hickory Inn, and Guess Who. To know Karen was to love her.

Karen was artistically talented and enjoyed being creative, often sharing her beautiful crafts in earlier years at local arts and craft fairs. She had a deep love for music of all kinds, from timeless hymns to modern rock. Karen also had a special place in her heart for Christmas. Each year, she lovingly set up her Christmas village and beautifully decorated tree to share with loved ones during the season. And anyone who truly knew Karen, knew of her lifelong love for cats, having had many precious feline friends grace her life over the years.

Most of all, Karen’s family was everything to her! She was a loving and supportive mother, and a very proud Grandma/Granny. Her warmth, generosity, and joyful spirit will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her. Sweet memories of her will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and all who cherished her.

A celebration of life memorial and drop in visitation will be held from 4:30-6:30 pm on Thursday, February 27, 2025 in the fellowship room at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 406 W Central, Bentonville, AR 72712, with a special time of prayer and remembrance at 5:30 pm with Pr. Stacy Seger officiating. A private burial will take place with family at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, her family asks that any donations in her memory be made to Wilson Zoo, a local non-profit Cat Rescue focusing on injured and neglected cats. Miss Boo Kitty came to Karen through this organization.

https://www.petfinder.com/member/us/ar/garfield/wilson-zoo-ar367/

http://paypal.me/wilsonzoo