Karen Hamby, 87, passed away at Sterling Village in Sterling, KS on April 11th, 2026. Born in Carydon, Indiana on August 24, 1938 to parents Eugene M. and Mary L. (Sampson) Frank she grew up in Hutchinson, KS graduating from Hutchinson High in 1957. Karen married John Ray Hamby on August 24, 1956 in Hutchinson, KS, they later moved to Ellinwood where she worked at Great Bend Manufacturing, Fuller Brush and Rice Engineers. Later they moved to Stockton, MO for four years before returning to Ellinwood to be closer to her family. Karen was a dog lover especially Weiner dog's and an incredible made from scratch cook. She also loved Royals baseball and crotchet which allowed her to shower her family with gifts. Mostly she loved spending time with family and friends playing cards or just visiting.
Survivors include children, Elva Mitchell, Ellinwood, KS, Kevin Hamby and wife Jennifer, Great Bend, KS, and Connie Jenks and husband, Jack, Ellinwood, KS. Additional survivors include 10 beloved Grandchildren and multiple Great-Grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by Husband, John Ray Hamby (1995); Son, Abel Hamby; Sister, Regina Lynch; and Great-Grandchild, Kyra Mitchell.
Graveside service will take place 10:30 AM on Wed., April 15th at Lakin-Comanche Cemetery, Ellinwood. Visitation will take place at Minnis Chapel from 4-6 PM on Tuesday, April 14th. Memorials are suggested towards funeral expenses in care of Minnis Chapel, PO Box 246, Ellinwood, KS 67526. Condolences may be left at www.minnischapel.org