Obituary of Karen Lee Birkett

West Liberty, Iowa

Karen Lee Birkett, 77, of Morning Sun Care Center, passed away October 16th losing her battle to metastatic breast cancer. 

Private graveside services will be held at a later date in the Oak Ridge Cemetery, West Liberty.  Memorials may be made to Morning Sun Care Center or to any Breast Cancer Organization.  The Henderson-Barker Funeral Home in West Liberty is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.hendersonbarkerfuneral home.com.
 

Karen was born April 29th, 1941, in Lafayette, Ind.  Karen grew up in West Liberty and attended elementary school there and also attended special education classes in Muscatine.  She spent her adult life at Opportunity Village in Clear Lake.  Karen was a very outgoing social "girl".  She worked many various jobs at the community center.  She was an avid swimmer and also participated  in track and field and basketball; winning many gold medals in the Special Olympics.  She loved to compete.  Karen loved to dance and rarely missed the Buddy Holly celebrations at the Surf Ball Room in Clear Lake.  She loved her saddle shoes, bobby socks, and miniskirts - forever a teenage 50's girl. 

She is survived by sisters Pat (Jim) Kirby, Donna (Craig) Maurer, many cousins, nieces, and nephews.  Karen was preceded in death by her parents Edith and Lindley Birkett, infant brother William Lindley Birkett, her biological father Kenny (daddy Kenny) Vernon, half brother Mike Vernon, and special nephew Danny Dauber. 

The family wishes to express our gratitude to Morning Sun Care Center staff for the exceptional love and care they have shown Karen.