Henderson, KY – Karen “Momma” Sue Longsdorf of Henderson, Kentucky, passed away on Monday, October 11, 2021 at the age of 57 after a short battle with cancer at her home surrounded by her family and her beloved dogs, Gracie and Scotty. She was a beautiful mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt and friend to many.
Karen was born on October 12, 1963 in Midland, Michigan to the late Levi “Buck” Merrill and Leora “Sue” Mae Wardin. She attended H.H. Dow High School and was a huge NASCAR fan, but also enjoyed riding her motorcycle, traveling, bowling and softball. She was an avid glass collector and always enjoyed outdoor activities as well as spending time with her grandchildren. In her free time, she would ride for charity causes and attended benefits for many. Karen always enjoyed giving back to her community.
She is survived by her three daughters, Shannon Hinton (Davy) and their daughter, Acelynn, Alana Brink (Kipp) and their two sons, Xander and Xaiden, Katelyn Anderson (Matt) and their children, Mason, Charleigh, Leilend, Paisleigh, Coltin, Dakota and Joshua; her significant other of 9 years, Bob Lang; her sister, Kathy Chupp (Mike); her brother, Gregory Merrill (Michelle); her former husband of 31 years, Alan Longsdorf; 2 nieces, 3 nephews and many cherished friends who gave her the nickname, “Momma.” Karen always had an open heart, an open door and open arms for everyone she met.
Karen worked locally for property management companies, holding the positions of Maintenance Supervisor and Residential Coordinator. She managed a large volume of conventional and affordable apartments, single family rental homes and commercial properties that consisted of medical and retail enterprises. During her property management maintenance career, she was a member of the local and State Apartment Associations. In 2013, a past employer awarded her with the Lowest Turnover Award for the properties she managed. She excelled at training maintenance technicians, provided excellent service to many residents on the properties she managed and was a major team contributor and leader on many projects, including updating 50+ single family houses and apartments to rental properties. A special thank you to PMR Companies and Pedcor Management Corporation for giving her the opportunity to become the “Maintenance Legend” that many have come to love and adore over the years.
Karen is preceded in death by her parents; her stepfather, Robert Wardin; her brother, William “Bill” Merrill; grandparents, Felix “Al” & Doris McPhillips and Marie Merrill as well as her niece, Misty Merrill.
Karen requested to have a living celebration of life which was held on October 10, 2021 in Henderson, Kentucky. Her wishes were then to be cremated with no further services or celebrations.
Simple Cremation Evansville is entrusted with care.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to St. Anthony’s Hospice in Henderson, Kentucky.
In lieu of flowers, please consider sharing a memory to her daughters for a memory book or a donation in her honor to the Chloe Randolph Organization which was so dear to her heart at www.Facebook.com/thechloerandolphorganization.
Brenda Fambrough says
Shannon and Katie, praying for you all. My heart goes out to you all.
Jessica Wilder says
You have created your legacy in not only your amazing daughters and extraordinary grandchildren, but with each life you have blessed by simply knowing you.
Thank you for letting me be one of those people. You will continue to live in my heart.
Rest easy!
Vicki Eastman says
We haven’t seen Karen in years. But she was always a great person and lots of fun to party with back in the day when we all hung out together. To her girls that always called me aunt Vicki. I’m very sorry to hear about your momma. I wish you all well my heart goes out to each of you and your family. God bless 🙏
Rose says
Fly high my beautiful sexymama..u will be missed badly by lots …over the 19yrs plus we have known each other..you was always there for me when i needed u..even if it was just a hug it always helped..i will cherish the memories the laughs we had together.we may have been miles apart but deep in our hearts we still had each other..our little phone convos when i called u crying u always told me keep ur chin up girlfriend it will b okay…my heart is broken n im typing this through tears remember sexymama i will love you in my own special way….happy birthday …drink a catcus juice for me..since i cant handle it..lol…rest easy my dearest loving bestest friend. My sexymama…fly high my angel..i love you
Bonnie Wells says
It is so heartbreaking that we lost such an amazing soul. Karen would be there to help any friend in need when they needed her. She was very giving. She was so fun to hang out with weather we were bowling, playing softball or out at the bar. She truly was so proud of her daughters and grandkids. Rest well Karen. ❤
Mary Kerperien says
I remember meeting karen and Bob doing volunteer work for the NASCAR race in Brooklyn. We just started talking and it seemed like we have known each other forever. She was a wonderful, fun, caring person. I’m so happy to have known her and had some fun times together.
Denise says
Alana and family,
I am so sorry to hear of your mama’s passing. My experience shows me that she may be gone physically but she is always with you in spirit. May you find peace and pass on the love she shared with you.
Amanda Dice says
Karen was like a mother to me for many years as I spent half of my childhood hood living in her house.
She loved me like her own.
I will always remember the softball games and taco bell trips forever. Fly high and rest in heaven!!! ❤