Karen Hanna

Karen Sue Hanna, 70, of Topeka, Kansas, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on Monday, December 23, 2024. Karen was born on June 26, 1954, in Topeka, Kansas, the daughter of Frank Killinger Jr. and Florence Eugenia Killinger. Karen attended Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church and graduated from Hayden High School in 1972. She later studied at Washburn University before embarking on a diverse and fulfilling career. During high school, Karen worked at Myron Greens in downtown Topeka. She went on to serve the State of Kansas for many years in the alcohol and drug abuse department. Karen also ran a home daycare for 15 years, caring for children and families with her natural warmth and compassion. Additionally, she served as a personal care attendant for her brother during his recovery from injuries. Karen later returned to the workforce to assist with processing state insurance applications before retiring. Karen was married to Richard Michael Thacher in 1973, to that union three children were born, Tonia, Jarrod, and Trent. On June 25, 1983, Karen married John “Tim” Hanna at their home in Maple Hill, Kansas. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who cherished time spent with her family. Karen found great joy in attending her grandchildren’s football and soccer games and other activities. She had a deep love for the outdoors and was known for her golden tan year-round. Her passion for flowers, especially roses, was evident in the care she gave to her many rose bushes. Karen is survived by her husband, Tim; her children, Tonia Thacher of Topeka, Jarrod Thacher of Topeka, and Trent Thacher of Kansas City; stepchildren Holly Mitchell (David) of Topeka and Jason Hanna of Topeka; grandchildren Damian Neal (Anthania), Jerica Thacher, Kyla Vigilius (Jon), Devon Hanna; and great-grandchildren, Tevin, Daxxan, Dash, and Dycen; siblings, Greg, Doug and Steve Killinger, and her sister Janet Carrell. Visitation will be 2 p.m. Sunday, January 12, 2025, memorial service will follow at 3 p.m. at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614. Burial will follow at Mission Center Cemetery. Karen's service will be live-streamed on the funeral home's Facebook page, you can follow this link. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063672125244 Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or Midland Hospice House in care of the funeral home. May Karen’s memory bring comfort to all who knew her. Condolences may be sent online at www.kevinbrennanfamily.com

Karen Hanna

June 26, 1954 - December 23, 2024