Karen Newby

(From Fohn Funeral Home)

Karen Ann Newby, age 69, of Shell Knob, Missouri, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, August 7, 2026, at her home, comforted by her husband.

She was born Karen Ann Shockley on February 6, 1957, in Wichita, Kansas, the daughter of John Stewart and Clara Ann (Cassidy) Shockley. Karen met the love of her life, James Lee Newby, in Wichita, and the two were married on June 3, 1978.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, John and Clara Shockley; her niece, Kendra Leigh Nystrom; her granddaughter, Nora Mar Newby; and her beloved lab, Shiner.

She leaves behind her beloved husband of 48 years, James Lee Newby; her three children, Megan Marie (Newby) Hilton, Kelsey Ann Newby, and Matthew DeLair Newby and wife Tori; her grandchildren, Clara, Cassidy, Parker, Grady, Abram, Ellison, and Asher; and Andrew and Athena Greathouse, whom she loved as her own. She also leaves behind many extended family members and dear friends who will remember her for her warmth, acceptance, humor, generosity, and unwavering support.

Karen grew up in Wichita and graduated from Wichita West High School. She worked in healthcare as a medical coding and billing consultant for nearly 20 years before retiring in 2008.

After retirement, Karen and Jim moved to Shell Knob, Missouri, a place that held deep meaning for her and where her parents had also retired and were buried nearby. Overlooking Table Rock lake, Karen found peace in the beauty of nature and especially loved spending time on her deck, watching the water and feeding the birds, which sometimes ate right from her hand.

Karen had a deep love for genealogy. She spent countless hours researching her family’s history, tracing generations and carefully documenting the stories, names, and connections that made up her family’s past. Her dedication preserved pieces of family history that might otherwise be lost and gave future generations a lasting connection to those who came before them.

Above all, Karen loved her family deeply. She adored her grandchildren and treasured every opportunity to see them, spend time with them, and, as she loved to do, spoil them. They brought her immense joy, and the memories they made together will we remain a cherished part of their lives.

Karen will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Her family will forever cherish her laughter, loving heart, unconditional acceptance, generosity, and the joy she found in the people she loved and the simple beauty of life.

Her legacy will live on through the family she loved so dearly and the history she worked so diligently to preserve.

Private services will be held in Shell Knob, Missouri, and Augusta, Kansas. Cremation arrangements are under direction of Fohn Funeral Home Cassville, Missouri.