Karen Shields

Karen Shields, 55, of Kansas City, MO, passed away June 30, 2022, at home after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She was born December 24, 1966 in Merriam, KS to John and Frances Butler. Karen married Tim Shields in 1990, and to them were born a daughter, Mary, and son, John.

Karen graduated from American Intercontinental University cum laude with a degree in graphic design. Her passion was photography, and she did real estate photography until there was not enough work as houses were selling so fast there was no time to publish pictures. She was a photographer for an automobile dealership and lately worked for Cox Automotive.

Until her condition made it impossible, she was active in the life of her church. Karen was enthusiastic about the youth programs and made sure the children were able to be involved. Karen loved the Lord and praised Him constantly in spite of circumstances, never complaining. She always had a smile and encouraging words for others. Karen loved movies, books, strawberries and sunflowers.

Karen was a loving and dedicated mother first and foremost. She treasured her children and embraced every moment with them. Her favorite hangout with them was the zoo and events at Union Station. Karen and John did the half-marathon walk for World Vision more than once, and she enjoyed many academic discussions with Mary throughout her time in college.

Karen is preceded in death by her father, John R. Butler, and step-father, Michael D. Silvers.

Survivors include her mother, Frances Silvers; step-mother, Sue Butler; daughter, Mary Blades and husband Ben; son, John Shields; sister, Carol Butler and husband Glenn Brown; step-brothers, Stephen Long and Kevin Long; niece, Melody Brown; and step-nieces, Sarah Long and Hannah Long.

Please join us in celebrating Karen's life on July 30, 2022, at 10:30 am, at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church, 1600 North State Route 291, Liberty, MO. Visitation will begin one hour prior.

Please join us in celebrating Karen’s life on July 30, 2022, at 10:30 am, at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church, 1600 North State Route 291, Liberty, MO. Visitation will begin one hour prior.