A Celebration of the Life of Karen Denise (Slater) Weatherman (Dec 4, 1947 – June 19, 2026)
Karen Denise Weatherman, 78, of Excelsior Springs, Missouri (formerly of Brazil and Cory, Indiana), passed away peacefully in her home on June 19, 2026, surrounded in the love of her family.
A Life of Devotion and Service
Born on December 4, 1947, in Brazil, Indiana, Karen was the cherished daughter of Earl and Wilma Slater. A graduate of Cory High School in 1965, she grew up as one of four girls in a lively family of twelve siblings, Karen essentially experienced two childhoods: her own, and the one dedicated to helping raise, protect, and care for her brothers and sisters.
Through these early years, she mastered the art of transforming minimal ingredients into feasts fit for a small army. Her legendary homemade yeast rolls and exquisite baked goods became a cornerstone of family gatherings and a testament to her nurturing spirit.
Karen’s true passion in life was the care and development of young children. She possessed a natural, magnetic warmth; babies were instantly drawn to her and completely captivated by her gentle, loving personality.
A Multidimensional Legacy of Hard Work
Karen was a woman of many talents who met every challenge with quiet grace and determination. Throughout her life, she wore many hats with equal pride and dedication: Cosmetologist, Restaurant Manager, School “lunch lady”, Teamster and new vehicle transporter in the staging yard at the Ford Assembly Plant in Claycomo and, finally, an in-home caregiver to her cherished husband Charles.
Above all, Karen was a quiet, humble, and fiercely responsible person who shouldered life’s most complicated responsibilities without a whisper of complaint. She was a self-sacrificing soul who fought hard against life’s most defining events.
A Zest for Life and Family
Her greatest joy was engaging and spending time with her beloved grandchildren. She traveled near and far to be with them at every opportunity and truly cherished the highly precious moments with them.
Beyond her tireless work ethic, Karen possessed an incredible zest for life. In her later years, she could often be found enjoying her “second retirement home” at the local riverboat casinos, bringing her trademark energy and sharp wit to the slots.
Karen’s legacy is defined by her unconditional dedication to those she loved. She truly embodied the fruits of the Holy Spirit: joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control, and above all—Love.
Loved Ones Left to Cherish Her Memory
Karen’s legacy lives on through her deeply loved family: Husband, Charles Weatherman (of 43 years); children, Monte Porter and Kevin Porter; stepchildren, Charles Weatherman Jr. and Christina Bertrand; daughters-in-law, Stacie (Huston) Porter and Natasha (Schmidt) Porter; grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Kara, Christopher, and Jenna Porter, and Jack, Rachel, and Emma Bertrand; surviving siblings, Kenny, Robert, Jim, and Dennis Slater, Barbara Plessinger, and Mary Scherer.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Earl and Wilma Slater; her brothers, Paul, Steve, and David; her
sister, Rona; and infant sisters, Anita and Shiela.
Services & Thank You
A Celebration of Life will follow at a location and time yet to be determined.
The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude for the overwhelming love, support, and prayers extended to them during this difficult time. Karen’s warmth, humor, and boundless love will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew her.
Arrangements are in care of Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, Excelsior Springs.
