Karen Jean Morales, 65, of Independence, Missouri, passed away Friday, July 20, 2018.  Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 25^th at St. Joseph the Worker, 2200 N. Blue Mills Rd Independence, MO 64058; burial in New Salem Cemetery, Independence. The family will receive friends from 9:00 a.m. until service time at the church.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Lung Cancer Research Foundation or Catholic Charities.

Karen was born November 27, 1952, in Independence, Missouri, the daughter of Roy P. and Bettie J. (Gaylor) Gust.  She married Edward Morales on December 5, 1970.  Karen was a devout Catholic.  She enjoyed reading, watching Hallmark movies and HGTV, and participating in her grandchildren’s activities.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Rodney and Rex Gust.

Her survivors include her husband, Edward Morales of the home; four children: Stephanie Marriott (Mickey) of Independence, Edward Morales Jr. of Kansas City, Erik Morales (Erica) of Belton, and Vincent Morales (Kelly) of Independence; five grandchildren: Mercedes, Dominic, Shayle, Malia, and Brooklyn; three sisters: Janet Meadows (Bill) of St. Louis, MO, Gayle Parks (Daryl) of Centerview, MO, and Tammie Ramsell (Gary) of Paola, KS; and two brothers: Roy Gust of Sacramento, CA, and Tom Gust (Kathy) of Eldon, MO.

Arrangements:  Royer’s New Salem, Independence MO   816-796-8600