Karen Louise Briggs

Karen Louise Briggs, 80, of Coyville, Kansas, passed away peacefully on February 26, 2026, at Fredonia Regional Hospital in Fredonia, Kansas.

Karen was born on September 23, 1945, in Neodesha, Kansas, the daughter of Roy Howard Shively and Ailene (Hull) Shively. She lived a fulfilling life marked by her deep devotion to family, her community, and a dedicated career in health care.

She graduated from Pittsburg High School in 1963 and continued her education at Fort Scott Community College, where she earned her Associate Degree. Karen later obtained her Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) license and began a long and meaningful career in health care. She served for many years as an administrator at Medical Lodge South in Pittsburg, Kansas. She later brought her leadership and compassion to Heritage Health Care in Chanute and eventually retired from Guest Home Estates in Iola, Kansas.

Karen embraced life with enthusiasm and heart. She loved spending time with her family and found joy in fishing, camping, turkey hunting, working puzzles, and caring for her beloved cats. She was especially proud of her volunteer service at the Methodist Church through the Sprigs and Sprouts children’s program and her work as an advocate for children through the Kansas CASA Association.

Karen is survived by her life partner of 26 years, Jeffery Dean Moran; her sons, Gerald (Allison) Swift of California, Maryland, and Michael (Angela) Swift of Shawnee, Kansas; and her stepchildren, Gavin (Kelsey) Moran of Augusta, Kansas; Deana Coester of Columbus, Kansas; Mark Briggs of Springfield, Missouri; Jackie Briggs of Shawnee, Kansas; and Daryl (Billie) Briggs of Anderson, Missouri. She also leaves behind several cherished grandchildren who brought her great joy.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Roy Howard Shively and Ailene (Hull) Shively; her husband, Lloyd Briggs; her brother, Howard Shively; and her sister-in-law, Lola Shively.

A Celebration of Life honoring Karen Louise Briggs will be held on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Wickham Family Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Fredonia, Kansas. A private family burial will take place at a later date.