Karen E. Sands, 81, of Kimberling City, MO, passed away Thursday, July 2, 2026, in Branson, MO. She was born May 9, 1945, in St. Charles, IL to Raymond and Helen (Schuldt) Ronzheimer. She graduated from St. Charles High School.

Karen married Bob Sands on June 5, 1965, at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, St. Charles, IL.

Karen and Bob moved to the Kimberling City, MO area in 1999. She was a member of Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, Kimberling City, MO. She was a devout Christian, enjoyed spending time with family and friends. To know her was to feel loved, as she viewed every person she met as a friend.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents and a son-in-law, John Rowinski.

In addition to Bob, Karen is survived by her son, Thomas Sands and his wife, Ann of Cortland, IL; daughter, Barbara Rowinski of Reeds Spring, MO; brother, Richard Ronzheimer of Green Valley, AZ; three grandchildren, Raina Sands, Norah Sands and Parker Sands and a host of other relatives and friends.

A celebration of life will be held Friday, July 10, 2026 at 11:00AM at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, Kimberling City, MO. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial donations to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org.

Cremation was under the direction of Stumpff Funeral Home, Kimberling City, MO.