Marlene J. Karns

Marlene J. Karns, 55, of Sullivan, Missouri, passed away on Tuesday, September 24, 2024 at Missouri Baptist Hospital – Sullivan. 

Marlene Jo Karns was born January 26, 1969 to Marvin Rebura and Donna Usery. She grew up in Sullivan and was a proud graduate of Sullivan High School. Following high school, Marlene furthered her education at Sanford Brown College. 

In her early life, Marlene was blessed with two children, Jake and Kelly. She was later united in marriage to Rolly Karns on July 7, 2007 and together they blended their families. Sadly, Rolly would later pass away in the fall of 2008. Marlene remained in the Sullivan area raising her family and was employed as a local dump truck driver. 

Marlene and her companion Rockie Radcliff met in 2017 and together shared many treasured memories. Marlene loved to spend time outdoors, hunting, fishing and riding her side by side. Together, Marlene and Rockie enjoyed traveling to Branson and always made a point to see her favorite show, “Dolly Parton’s Stampede”. Most recently, they were also able to venture to Las Vegas together. Marlene also enjoyed attending concerts alongside Rockie, such as ZZ Top, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra and together were members of the Knights of Columbus. 

Marlene had a big sense of humor and you always know where you stood with her. She will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered. 

Marlene is survived by her two children: Jake Eckenfels and wife Brittany of Sullivan, Missouri and Kelly Scheitler and husband Kyle of Greenleaf, Kansas; a brother, Jim Rodgers and wife Lisa of Saint Clair, Missouri; her mother, Donna Webb and husband Dean of Sullivan, Missouri; seven grandchildren: Bentley, Nolan, Mackenzie, Seraphina, Kyle, Owen and Zachariah; extended family, John Rebura and his children, Lily and Zoey; other relatives and friends. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Rolly Karns; her father, Marvin Rebura; maternal and paternal grandparents.

Visitation will be 2 – 6 PM, Sunday, September 29, 2024 at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project. 

Friends may send their online condolences to Marlene’s family at www.eatonfuneralhome.com