Karen Ariel Wahl

Karen Ariel Wahl, 71, passed away Aug. 1, 2019. She was born April 14, 1948 in Sea Isle City, N.J. and raised in Stamford, Conn. She excelled in athletics, especially softball, was self-taught in music and art. She devoted her career to adult education and her life to the care and rescue of animals, especially dogs. A born adventurer and rebel, she bought a baby blue Harley-Davidson police-style motor scooter when she was 16. After 20 years in New England, and one semester at the University of Wisconsin, she was done with cold weather. She relocated to Houston, Texas to complete her education, worked in Arizona and lived the past 25 years in southwest Missouri. Her home, “Healing Acres,” in Rocky Comfort, was shared with rescue dogs, cats and chickens. For seven years, she was a frequent visitor at the Lacoba Homes Nursing facility in Monett. She and her therapy dogs were a welcome, healing presence.
She is survived by: a large extended family and close circle of friends. Her siblings and their spouses: Rolly and Linda Wahl of Mill Valley Calif.; Christine and Mike Billone of Knoxville, Tenn. and Naperville, Ill.; Roger and Joy Wahl of Augusta, Ga.; Robin and Kevin Withers of Springfield; Candelin Wahl and George Thabault of Burlington, Vt.; 10 nieces and nephews and their families; as well as a host of family and friends;
The family is planning a brief committal service at Rocky Comfort Cemetery at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019, followed by a celebration of life and picnic lunch at McIndoe Park beside Shoal Creek in Joplin. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Bennett-Wormington Funeral Home in Monett. Memorials may be made to Haven of the Ozarks or Unleashed Pet Rescue/Adoption. Cards and/or online condolences may be sent to the funeral home.Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Bennett-Wormington Funeral Home in Monett.