Karen Degan

KAREN NORVELL

Karen Sue (Degan) Norvell, age 73, of Prairie Grove, AR, passed away peacefully in her home on November 3, 2021, due to complications from multiple sclerosis. She was born March 1, 1948, in Beloit, WI, to James E. Degan, Sr. & Eldora W. (Keech) Degan. She was raised in Beloit, where she graduated from F. J. Turner High School in 1966.

She had a lifetime career in banking that began in San Francisco, CA. Karen was a strong, independent soul that loved to travel, taking her to 9 European countries & Hawaii. She met & married her husband, John E. Norvell, in 1974, & they relocated to Prairie Grove, AR, the next year. Her pets were her children.

Karen will be remembered for her generous spirit. She was always contributing her love, gifts & creative talents to her spiritual home. She had an artistic passion for greeting card stamping, blessing everyone with her beautiful cards. Karen had a huge heart for all animals, but especially cats. The abandoned cats in her neighborhood found food, refuge & love with her. She kept beautiful gardens that attracted the birds, she loved her Irises, & had an amazing knowledge of plants. She loved gathering with friends for meals, movies, classes, parties & fun outings.

Karen was preceded in death by her loving husband of 26 years, John E. Norvell, and her parents James & Eldora. She is survived by siblings Donald Degan, Patty Degan & husband Darin Purdy, and James Degan, Jr. & wife Mary, nephews & nieces Brian & Mark Degan, Christopher & Shawn Pollentier, and Jamie & Alex Degan.

She was an active, loving member of the Unity Church of Fayetteville for the last 8 years, and Prairie Grove Church of Christ prior to that.

Karen has requested any memorials be made to the Friends of Prairie Grove Pound or the Unity Church of Fayetteville.