Karen Kay Campbell

Karen Kay Campbell  (nee Philhours), of O Fallon, MO, passed away Tuesday, December 19, 2023, at the age of 79. Beloved wife of Larry Campbell; cherished daughter of the late David and Loraine Philhours; devoted step-mother of Bo (Catherine) Campbell, Leigh (Scott) Shull and the late Mindy (Terry) Green; loving grandmother of Christie Campbell, Daniel Campbell, Kelly Campbell, Sam Shull and Sadie Shull; dear sister of Jan (Jim) Ellis; treasured aunt of Jimmy (Kathy) Ellis, Todd (Charity) Ellis, and the late Matt Ellis; and great-aunt of Kate Ellis, Matt Ellis and Carson Ellis. 

Karen was born on October 27, 1944, and grew up in Manila, Arkansas. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Arkansas State University and earned her specialist’s degree from the University of Missouri-St. Louis.

Karen built a distinguished career in the Pattonville School District, as one of the first female administrators in St. Louis County. She began her career as an English Teacher at Pattonville High School and went on to serve as an administrator at Pattonville High School and Holman Middle School. Her leadership as an administrator truly reflected her expertise and dedication to fostering a thriving learning environment. She impacted countless students, colleagues and the community at large. Karen was a member of Pattonville National Education Association (PNEA) and Missouri Retired Teachers Association (MRTA). She retired from Pattonville in 1995.

Karen loved playing golf and was a member of WingHaven Golf Club in Missouri and Heritage Palms Golf  Club in Florida, where she spent her winters. Karen enjoyed traveling and ventured to numerous destinations around the world. She loved getting together with friends to play Bridge, Pinochle, and Mahjong. She also dabbled in photography and was an avid reader.

Karen loved her family deeply and cherished spending time with them. She was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew her. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The American Cancer Society.