Karen Campbell Laird died March 22, 2013, after bravely fighting for her life after an accident left her quadriplegic in April 2011. Since her accident, she was able to successfully recover from numerous bouts of pneumonia, infections, and pressure wounds. During this time, she also courageously dealt with the deaths of her son and husband. Her last infection proved too much for her frail body. Karen was born February 8, 1947, at home in St. James, Missouri. As the daughter of a career military officer, she moved often as a youth but particularly enjoyed the family's assignment in England for three years. Karen finished high school as a proud member of the class of 1965 at Belton, Missouri. It is to their credit her fellow class members rallied around Karen after her accident and each signed up for a specified week to be responsible for sending her a gift, card or flowers as a show of love and support. Karen was preceded in death by her mother Esther Campbell, daughter Jennifer Caroline Worthy, son James P. Laird and husband, James B. Laird, DVM. She is survived by her father, Al Campbell of Fair Grove; sister Kathleen Campbell of Fair Grove; stepdaughter Melanie Ann Laird of Lee's Summit; grandchildren Madeline Faith Laird, Camille Malkmus, Brianna McLin and Brandon McLin. Karen loved horses and dogs. As a teen, she belonged to saddle clubs and was an award winning barrel racer in the Kansas City area on her beloved quarter horse, Cottontail. Later in life, she raised and showed champion Dachshunds. Karen was instrumental in helping her husband start a veterinary and grooming practice in Springfield in 1988, which closed in January 2013, due to Dr. Laird's untimely death. Karen never met a stranger and she savored the good times with family and friends. She was often heard to say that she was in need of some "retail shopping therapy". Special thanks goes to the staff in the Cox South ER, fourth floor and CCU. Their compassion and efforts were greatly appreciated. Also to the Firemen and ambulance crew that treated her so gently while performing their duties so efficiently. Finally, a heartfelt acknowledgement to Samantha Caruso and Robyn Rhoden for the care, compassion and friendship they provided Karen during the last year. They not only saw to her physical needs but they laughed and cried alongside her. Lastly, and most importantly, our love and thanks goes to Karen's very best friend Susan (Micki) Gnance. Micki has been with her through the good times and the bad times since college, never wavering and steadfast in her love and devotion to Karen. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Southwest Missouri Humane Society, 3161 W. Norton Road, Springfield, Missouri 65803. Online condolences may be left at gormanscharpf.com