Karen June (Knox) Manion, 60, of Wichita, Kansas, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, March 16, 2026, surrounded by her family.

Karen was born on June 21, 1965, in Wichita, Kansas, to James H. Knox and June S. (Crossnoe) Knox. She attended Wichita Heights High School and graduated in 1983. One month later, she began nursing school and graduated in 1984, becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).

After working in different nursing positions early in her career, Karen found the place that would shape much of her life when she joined College Hill OB/GYN in September 1990. She dedicated more than 35 years to caring for the many women who came through the practice and continued working whenever she was able until the time of her passing. Throughout those years, she was blessed to work alongside many wonderful doctors and staff and to care for countless patients who meant so much to her.

Outside of work, Karen devoted much of her life to raising and supporting her three incredible children, Justin, Lindsay, and Lauren. She poured her heart, energy, and love into each of them, encouraging their dreams and celebrating their achievements.

Karen met her husband, Dan Manion, at just the right time in her life, and the two were married on February 11, 2017. In Dan, she found a true partner who stood faithfully by her side. Together they enjoyed traveling and making special memories, including a trip to Europe in the fall of 2023 that she especially cherished.

From a very young age, Karen was known for being a loyal and devoted friend. Many of the friends who stood by her until the end had known her since childhood. Whether in good times or difficult moments, Karen was someone people could always count on for kindness, support, and unwavering friendship.

Karen was preceded in death by her mother, June S. (Knox) Crossnoe; her father, James H. Knox; and her grandparents, Harold W. Knox, Melba F. (Church) Knox, Helen (Leming) LeBarre, and James H. Crossnoe.

She is survived by her loving husband, Daniel Manion of Wichita; her children, Justin Sallee of Wichita, Lindsay (Whitley) Ward of Colorado, and Lauren Reid of Wichita; her stepchildren, Cassie (Dale) Black of Montana, Mike (Sarah) Manion of Montana, and Molly (Colton) Manion of Utah; and her cherished grandchildren, Blake Short of Oklahoma, Cayden Sallee of Wichita, and Stella Ward of Colorado. She is also survived by her step-grandchildren, Connor Manion of Montana, Chandin Manion of Wichita, Charlie Manion of Utah, and Hensley Manion of Montana.

Additional survivors include her second mom, Alana (Jones) Knox of Wichita; her brother, Michael J. Knox of Wichita; her sister, Debbie (Kirk) Haslam; and her stepbrother, Justin Williams of Wichita.

A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to PanCAN (Pancreatic Cancer Action Network).