Karen Rae Kiddoo, age 82, of Springfield, MO, passed away, February 8, 2026.

Karen R. Kiddo was born on December 15, 1943, in Wichita, KS, to Raymond Max Schwyhart and Alberta Louise Brown Schwyhart. Karen attended school in Wichita and Derby, KS, and was a member of the first graduating class at Campus High School, in Haysville, KS. After graduation she attended college in Emporia, KS.

Karen married R. Vernon Bouse in 1961, and they had three children, Wade, Penny, and Ty Bouse. After Karen and Vernon divorced, she moved to California where she married Gene Richard Kiddoo in 1981.

From an early age Karen enjoyed a wide variety of employment opportunities. She began at age 13 working in a drive-in restaurant and movie theater. After college, she pursued careers in interior design, bookkeeping, and computer programing.

After marrying Gene, they moved frequently, living in Texas, Johnson Island, Colorado and California. In 1988, they became motel managers in California. After visiting Branson, MO in 1992, Karen and Gene decided to retire there. They spent several years managing the Boxcar Willie Motel in Branson. When Gene's health deteriorated, they moved to Springfield, MO.

Karen enjoyed music, dancing, theater, plays—all forms of the arts. She dabbled in painting, writing books and poetry, loved playing games, especially cards, and shooting pool. Karen sang with the church choir in Sparta, MO and was active in a wide variety of community organizations in Springfield, including the Community Senior Center.

Karen is survived by her children, Wade (Arlene) Bouse of Oklahoma City, OK, Penny Bouse of Norman, OK, Ty Bouse of Norman, OK; three grandchildren, Jesse Neely, Robert (Layci) Neely, and Tristan Bouse; six great-grandchildren, Landon, Madi, Bristol, Baylor, Paiden, and Kaydence; and sister, Renee (Lynn) Vandergrift of Wichita, KS. Karen is preceded in death by her husband, Gene Kiddoo, her brother, Allan Schwyhart, and her parents, Raymond and Alberta. Karen enjoyed life to the fullest.

The family would like to give a special thank you to St. Croix Hospice and the staff at The Cottage at Century Pines Assisted Living Center for all the attention and care they gave Karen.