Karen Marie (Mehling) Cooksey

Karen Marie (Mehling) Cooksey was born February 4, 1956, in Louisville, Kentucky. She was born to the late Harold and Anna (Huntsinger) Mehling. Karen grew up in Louisville and graduated with the class of 1974 from Thomas Jefferson High School. Karen was united in marriage, June 21, 1975, to the love of her life, Irvin Cooksey Jr. Together they shared forty-nine years, creating a family and lasting memories. Karen and Irvin were blessed with three daughters: Anna, Edna, and Sylvia. Karen obtained her Certified Nursing Assistant license and started her career helping others. She was the perfect fit for her job and later pursued her Certified Medical Technician license. Karen enjoyed spending time with and taking care of the elderly. She often brought some of the ladies into her home. Throughout the years, Karen worked at Salem Care Center and Seville Care Center and impacted many lives in her years of service. Karen enjoyed going shopping and always considered others before herself. She liked putting together puzzles and listening to oldies music. Her greatest passion included her family and friends. She unconditionally loved her daughters. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the center of her world and brought such happiness to her life. Her biggest joy was her papillon dog, Penny. Karen was a devoted Christian and faithfully worshipped at the Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Salem. She loved serving the church and would be there for everyone who needed her. Karen entered eternal rest October 20, 2024, in St. Louis, Missouri, at the age of sixty-eight years. is survived by her loving husband: Irvin Cooksey of Sullivan, MO; daughters: Anna Yeary of Sullivan, MO, Edna Quick and husband Ron of Bourbon, MO, and Sylvia Nelson and husband Johnny of Bourbon, MO; siblings: David Mehling and wife Marie, James Butrum, Sharon Long, and Philip Hafling; father-in-law: Irvin Cooksey Sr. of Salem, MO; grandchildren: Shane Bergner, Cody Calvin and Emma, Mary Cooksey, Olvia McCurdy, and Emma McCurdy; great-granddaughters; Esimae and Ella; as well as several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends. Preceding her in death were her parents: Harold and Anna Mehling; brother: Mike Mehling; and mother-in-law: Thela Cooksey. Karen was beautiful inside and out and was always smiling. She was truly the most selfless person, always putting others first, without hesitation. She will be deeply missed by those who loved her most. Funeral Services for Karen Marie (Mehling) Cooksey were held Sunday, October 28, 2024, in the Wilson Mortuary Salem Chapel with Pastor Craig Wiles officiating. Special music was provided by Vicky singing “In The Garden” and additional song selection played was “Home Where I Belong”. Serving as Pallbearers were Cody Calvin, Cory Contreas, Curtis Plank, Edward Kropp, Dylan Kropp, and Ryan Kropp. Burial was in the Cooksey Cemetery, Short Bend, Missouri. Arrangements were under the direction of Wilson Mortuary of Salem, Missouri. Condolences may be left online at www.wilsonmortuary.com

Karen Marie (Mehling) Cooksey

February 4, 1956 - October 20, 2024