Karen L. Johnston, 67 of Oswego, died peacefully at 12:49 p.m. Monday, October 16, 2023 at her home, surrounded by family, after a battle with cancer. Born in Great Bend, August 13, 1956, Karen was the daughter of Doyle and Ina “Lea” (Minson) Folkerts. She attended school in Great Bend and began working at the Ruskins Factory there until the plant closed in 1984. It was at that time that she moved to Labette County and began working at Ruskins in Parsons where she stayed until her retirement in 2005.
Karen loved playing her favorite marbles game, “Bump” and her dad, Doyle made a special board to play.
Karen loved her grandkid’s sporting events and made sure to attend all of the games that she could. She and her brother, Darren, enjoyed their trips together to the casinos.
For many years, she picked her granddaughter, Kylee up from school every day and took her to get “Lori’s Cookies”. She attended Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Miami, Okla.
Karen is survived by one son, William “Billy” Johnston (wife, Melissa) of Oswego; four grandchildren, Ashton Spore (husband, Ethan) of Pittsburg, Tucker Johnston (wife, Molli) of Girard, Weston Eckermann (wife, Alexandria) of Caldwell and Kylee Jo Johnston of the home; seven siblings, Darren Folkerts of Oswego, Lisa Cervantes (husband, Joe) of Parsons, Byron Folkerts (wife, Robin) of Derby, Randy Folkerts (wife, Mary) of Great Bend, Lori Ediger (husband, Ron) of McPherson, Willena Baker of Collinsville, Okla., Greg Wyrick (wife, Cheryl) of Afton, Okla.; as well as six great-grandchildren, Koba, Everlee, Blaize, Bristol, Clara, and Swaidyn, with one more on the way, and numerous nephews and nieces also survive.
Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Doyle and Lea Folkerts.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, October 20 at Derfelt Funeral Home of Oswego. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Harry Hynes Hospice Company in care of the funeral home.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.derfeltfuneralhomes. com.