Karen Grantham

Karen Sue Grantham, 58, of Raymore, Missouri passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with metastatic breast cancer on April 23, 2022. Karen was born August 12, 1963, in a US Military hospital in Frankfurt, West Germany to Edward Henry Mische and Patricia Sue (Wendel) Mische. Around the age of 1, Karen and her parents came back to the United States settling in Gladstone, Missouri, she was the eldest of 3 children. As a child, Karen was involved with Brownies and Girl Scouts. She played piano and also loved to play tennis. During summer months, she volunteered at her church camp helping with the upkeep of homes for the elderly.

Karen graduated from Oak Park High School, where she was a member of the Honor Society. Karen attended William Jewell College where she received a paralegal certificate as well as bachelor’s degree. She was a member of the Delta Zeta sorority and was Pledge of the Year in her pledge class. While working full time, Karen obtained a master’s degree from Keller Graduate School in Kansas City. She also achieved her 2 professional human resources certifications. She ended her 25-year human resources career at Grantham University.

Karen liked helping people and loved history. While living in Lawrence, Kansas, Karen was a volunteer for CASA of Douglas County, Kansas. Karen lived in Liberty, Missouri for quite some time. During her time in Liberty, Karen was a member of the Implementation Committee for the City of Liberty Blueprint Initiative; a member of the Clay County Historical Millennial Board; as well as a member of the Clay County Community Justice Board. She also established the Neighborhood Watch program in her neighborhood. She was briefly a member of the Businesswomen’s Group in Excelsior Springs, Missouri, and Acted as Treasurer.

Karen is remembered for her sense of humor, persistence, Strength, patience, and her infectious laugh. She was a ray of light in our lives. Family was important to her. She researched several lines of her family trees. Karen leaves this legacy to her family so that they know their history. She is greatly missed by all.

Karen was preceded in death by her Mother Patricia Mische and her 4 grandparents. She is survived by her Husband Michael Grantham, Her stepchildren Sean Grantham, and Kristen (Josh) Bushmoyer. Her 1 grandchild, her father Edward Mische, stepmom Diane Mische, Brothers David Mische, and Allen (Fernanda) Mische. Stepsiblings: Suzanne Gilson, Terry (Marcella) Scali, Tony (Jenny) Scali, Nick (Jennifer) Scali, Bill (Maria) Scali, Gina Scali, Anne (Dean) Kuckelman, and Nancy (Jeff) Lawson; aunts and uncles Emma (Loyd) Kaullen, and Christine (Ortrie) Smith. Her brother-in-law David (Tina) Grantham and Robert (Ellan) Grantham. Karen will be remembered by many other family and friends that loved her dearly.

Services for Karen will be in the care of Longview Funeral Home and Cemetery- 12700 SE Raytown Rd. Kansas City Missouri, 64149. Her services will be Friday May 6, 2022, at her church St. Sabina Catholic Church 700 Trevis Ave. Belton Missouri, 64012 Mass will be at 11AM followed by a Celebration of Life luncheon. Burial will take place at Longview Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Mother’s Refuge, Habitat for Humanity in Karen’s honor.