Karen (Knott) Dempsey Lowrey, 73, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at Life Care Center in Carrollton, surrounded by her loving family.
Karen was born on March 17, 1953, in Carrollton, Missouri, to Joe Knott and Dorothy Warren Knott. She was the youngest of their three daughters. From an early age, she had a tender heart for animals, often rescuing strays and bringing them home. One of her favorite rescues was a baby owl she proudly named “Hoot.” Her compassion for animals remained a defining part of her life.
Karen attended Carrollton schools and graduated with the Carrollton High School Class of 1971 before graduating from Chillicothe Beauty Academy. In her younger years, she was a proud member of the Carrollton Saddle Club and loved riding horses.
In 1971, Karen married her high school sweetheart, Wayne Dempsey. Together they welcomed their son, Erik Wayne Dempsey. Tragically, Wayne passed away in 1974. Though Karen experienced great loss, she found the strength to build a loving life centered on her children and family. During the past year, she found great comfort in the love and support of Wayne’s siblings, Mike Dempsey, Judi Dempsey Dubord, and Lynn Dempsey.
Karen was later blessed with two more children, Brianne Kay and Josiah Dale Lowrey, with her former husband, Rick Lowrey. Being a mother was the greatest joy of her life, and she loved Erik, Brianne, and Josiah with all her heart.
Karen served as secretary to Mayor Jack Mathis during his administration in Carrollton. She also enjoyed bowling for many years, earning numerous tournament victories and awards.
Karen was a faithful member of Living Hope Assembly of God.
She found happiness in life’s simple pleasures, faithfully caring for the neighborhood cats around Austin Apartments, taking drives along country roads with friends, cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs, and listening to Billy Joel. Karen also dreamed of seeing the mountains one day. Though she never had the opportunity to visit them, she found comfort in the music of John Denver, whose songs carried her there in spirit.
Karen is survived by her children, Erik Dempsey of Carrollton, Brianne Kay Lowrey (Anthony DiMercurio) of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Josiah (Shelby) Lowrey of St. Joseph, Missouri; and by her first grandchild, Sattler Kay, who was already deeply loved before her arrival in August.
She is also survived by her sisters, Donna (Jeff) Funk of Hale, Missouri, and Jody (Doug) Culbertson of Carrollton; her nieces, Susan (Tony) Windsor of Norborne, Missouri; Sharon (Troy) Wasson of Parker, Colorado; Michelle Mathis; and Mindy Elliott of Carrollton, who was also her devoted helper; her nephew, Mark Smith; her uncles, Bobby (Martha) Knott of Hale and Johnny Knott of Sedalia; as well as numerous cousins, cherished friends, and all whose lives were touched by her kindness.
Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Dorothy Knott; her grandmother, Mary Marshall; her grandparents, Bob and Ruth Warren; her beloved husband, Wayne Dempsey; and numerous beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Karen will be remembered for her gentle heart, compassionate spirit, unwavering kindness, and deep love for her family, friends, and animals. Her warmth, laughter, and loving spirit will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved her.
In accordance with Karen’s wishes, she was to be cremated. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 17, 2026, at Oak Hill Cemetery in Carrollton, Missouri. Family and friends are invited to attend as they gather to celebrate her life and honor her memory.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to assist with final expenses and the purchase of Karen’s headstone. Memorials can be mailed or dropped off at Hidden Valley Funeral home of Carrollton, 2 east Benton, Carrollton, MO 64633.
Arrangements entrusted to Hidden Valley Funeral home of Carrollton, www.hiddenvalleyfunerals.com
Source: KMZU, The Farm
