Travis Funeral Chapel

Karen Jean Wood, age 76, of La Plata, Missouri, passed away at home surrounded by her family on June 5, 2026.

Karen was born on May 22, 1950 in Kirksville, Missouri, the daughter of Loy and Ruby Voyles. On December 18, 1966, Karen was united in marriage to the love of her life Glenn Wood.

Karen is survived by her loving daughters, Kayla (Matt) Belt and Kelcey (Ralph) Smith; four grandchildren, Weston (Cali) Smith, MaKay (Ty) Hettinger, Baylon (Faith) Belt, and Logan (Peyton) Smith; Karen’s eight great-grandchildren, Hazel and Okla Hettinger, Tynlee, Wilzee, and Brixton Belt, Luke, Jerzie, and Navy Smith all held a special place in her heart.

Also surviving is her sister, Debbie (Gary) Simmons; one brother-in-law, Gene (Judy) Wood; five sisters-in-law, Charla (Tom) Cupp, Tamera Wright, Betty Lu (Jimmie) Moore, Mishel (John) Beever, and Penny Wood. She is also survived by several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Karen was preceded in death by her husband, Glenn Wood; parents, Loy and Ruby Voyles; one brother, Larry (Cora) Voyles; two brothers-in-law Jerry Lee Wood and Kenneth Wright.

Karen was a 1968 graduate of La Plata High School. She was a long time member of the Community Presbyterian Church in La Plata, where she proudly served in many roles. Karen was a member of XI Kappa Delta of Beta Sigma Phi sorority and American Legion Auxiliary. Karen worked as the Activities Director at the La Plata Nursing Home, she was a well known cosmetologist, and worked as a designer at Admire Evergreen where she found great joy in using her eye for design to help others transform their houses into beautiful and welcoming spaces.

More than any accomplishment, Karen was most proud of her family and the loving relationships that she nurtured throughout her life. Her love created a foundation rooted in faith, love, and family. Her influence will continue to be felt for generations to come.

Visitation will be held at Community Presbyterian Church in La Plata on Sunday, June 7, 2026 from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Funeral services will be at Community Presbyterian Church in La Plata on Monday, June 8, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be at Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Jacksonville at 2:00 p.m.

Pallbearers will be Matt Belt, Ralph Smith, Weston Smith, Baylon Belt, Logan Smith, and Ty Hettinger.

Memorials in memory of Karen may be made to the City of La Plata - Parks and Recreation. They may be sent to or left at Travis Funeral Chapel, 125 S. Church St., La Plata, MO 63549