Karen Hartley, age 55, passed away Thursday, May 23, 2013, after a 12-year battle with cancer. Karen was born November 4, 1957 in Kansas City, MO, and lived all of her life in the greater KC area. She was a 1976 graduate of Oak Park High School and a 1981 graduate of the University of Kansas, obtaining a Degree in Graphics and Illustration. Karen's first job was at the Nelson- Atkins Museum of Art in its slide library of the Collection. She then worked at Davis Advertising Art before establishing her own firm, Hartley Design in 1985 which she continued to operate until her death. Karen was an exceptional child and an articulate young woman. Equally at home in London or the Kansas City Plaza. Besides being an avid world traveler, she enjoyed rehab projects in her old house in the Brookside area, which allowed her to indulge an early interest in architecture. Her parents, Richard and Norma Pearson, of Leawood, Kansas, will mourn her loss for the rest of their own lives, as will a host of former school friends and longtime clients of her graphics business. Friends in the Romanelli Gardens/Armour Fields neighborhoods will miss her contributions to their activities as well. A Visitation will be held Wednesday, May 29, at McGilley State Line Chapel, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., followed by a Funeral Service at 1:00 p.m. Private burial. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her name to the American Cancer Society, Kansas City Chapter, or to Wayside Waifs of Kansas City. Condolences may be left online at www.mcgilleystatelinechapel.com, or to [email protected]. McGilley State Line Chapel, 12301 State Line Rd, Kansas City, MO 64145, 816-942-6180athe, KS 66061, 913-782-0582 www.mcgilleystateline.com

Published by Kansas City Star from May 26 to May 29, 2013.
Contributor: Beth (46834633