Kara Alee (Keeney) Cole was born May 3, 1972 to Phillip and Diane (O’Dell) Keeney in Lexington, MO and tragically passed away February 16, 2022 at 49. Visitation will be held at 1:00 p.m. followed by a memorial service at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 26, 2022 at Fellowship Church, 1601 West Main Street, Greenwood, MO 64034. Burial will follow the service at Valley Memorial Gardens, 100 Royer Lane, Grain Valley, MO. 64029. Donations can be made in Kara’s honor to the Grandview Education Foundation. Please indicate “Kara Cole Grant” with your gift. Donate online at www.grandviewedfoundation.org or send a check by mail to: Grandview Education Foundation, PO Box 546, Grandview, MO 64030.

She had a tender, sensitive, loving heart. She grew up in Blue Springs, MO with parents Bill and Diane Barker. Growing up in church, Kara accepted Jesus as Savior at 10 years old and followed in baptism. As an adult, her faith played a very important role in her life. She never gave up on God, and established her life verse: “Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10. Growing up, Kara always wanted to be a school teacher. Her dream was fulfilled after graduating with two college degrees. She loved her students and especially teaching the 2nd grade children. In some ways she adopted them since she had no children of her own. Her last 10 years finished her career at Conn-West Elementary School in Grandview, MO. She also had a passion for her pets: her cats Callie, Ava, and Sophia and her prized pet dog Zoey. Kara also loved to bake and used her kitchen skills to provide custom cupcakes for family and friends. She never missed an opportunity to make special baked goods for her students. Her kids loved her.

She is preceded in death by her father Phillip Keeney in 1990. She loved her daddy and enjoyed their many times together. She is survived by her mother, Diane Barker, step-dad Bill Barker, older sister Carissa Stanley, younger step-sister Kristin Morris, brothers-in-law Jeff Stanley and Brent Morris; nephews Zachary Butts, Joshua Stanley, and Isaiah Morris; nieces Rebeccah Stanley and Izabella Morris.
 
Kara was a wonderful Christian daughter, sister, aunt, niece, cousin, and friend. She loved her family in all the ups and downs of life. She will be truly missed here, but has a new home with Jesus.

Obituary submitted by family

Arrangements:  Royer Funeral Home, Grain Valley, MO   816-847-4441