Karen Sue Tatom

Karen "Sue" Tatom

Karen "Sue" Tatom, 76, passed away on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.

Karen was born on February 24, 1950, in Winfield, Kansas, to Robert and Jean (Smith) Weaver. She was the oldest of six children and grew up in Douglass, Kansas, where she attended school. During her school years, Karen was a wrestling homecoming queen and cheerleader. She also worked alongside her family at their restaurant and later at their local malt shop, where she enjoyed serving her community.

On March 7, 1969, Karen married the love of her life, James Tatom. After James returned home from serving in Vietnam, the couple lived briefly in Colorado before settling in Douglass, where they built a life together and raised their four children.

Karen devoted her life to her family as a homemaker. She loved deeply, gave generously, and was a constant source of encouragement and prayer for those she loved. Her faith was evident in the way she faithfully lifted her family in prayer and cared for them in countless ways.

She found joy in camping and hiking with her children and grandchildren, tending her garden, and making memories with those she loved. Above all, Karen treasured her family. She rarely missed one of her grandchildren's ball games and took great pride in cheering them on from the sidelines. One of her most cherished traditions was calling each of her children, siblings, nieces, and nephews every year on their birthdaysand making homemade birthday cards for grandkids.

Karen is survived by her devoted husband of 57 years, James Tatom; her children, Sheila (Boyd) Valentine of Douglass, Les (Nikki) Tatom of Garden Plain, Brenda (Jose) Wheeler of Wichita, Justin (Andi) Tatom of Augusta; 14 beloved grandchildren; and 8 great-grandchildren, including one who was born this year on Karen's birthday—a blessing she treasured. She is also survived by her sisters, Linda Weaver of Douglass, Trish (Jimmy) Reynolds of Atlanta, and Tina (Bryan) Roberts of Winfield, along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Jean Weaver; her infant brother, Roger Weaver; her brother, Rich Weaver of Douglass, and her grandson, Jose(Lil Ray) Wheeler of Wichita.

Karen will be remembered for her kindness, her unwavering love, her generous heart, and the steadfast way she put her family first. She touched the lives of many through simple acts of love, faithful prayers, and unwavering support. Her legacy lives on in the family she cherished so deeply and in the countless lives she influenced through her compassion and devotion.

She was loved beyond measure and will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

A visitation will be held from 5-7pm on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at Smith Family Mortuary, 1415 N Rock Rd, Derby, Ks 67037. Funeral service is 10am at Douglass United Methodist Church, 204 S Willow St, Douglass, Ks 67039.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Douglass United Methodist Church.