Karen Denise Gates
05/23/1961 - 5/12/2024
Karen Denise Gates, mother to Lindsay Shultz and Ryan Gates, passed away on May 12, 2024 after a long but graceful battle with Huntington’s disease.
Karen was an especially proud Mother and enjoyed spending time with her family doing the things she loved. Going out to restaurants, walking on the beach, and supporting U of L were a few of her favorite things in life, but nothing compared to the amount of love she had for her children and grandchildren.
Karen will be dearly missed by all who knew her. Lindsay, Ryan and family ask that she be remembered for the joy she brought to others in life, and not the sadness of her passing.
She is preceded in death by her mother Mary Kathleen Clark, her father Raymond Clark, her sisters Donna Beauchamp and Linda Pace, as well as her brothers Kenny Medley and Larry Alan “Duke” Medley.
She is survived by her daughter Lindsay (Jason), son Ryan, grandchildren Kingslee and Ivy, and her siblings Terry (Natalie), Kerry (Amy), Neal, Patsy (Jim), Sandra (Gary), and Patty Zagata. She also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews.
A visitation and memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 25 at Westport Road Baptist Church (9705 Westport Road, Louisville Kentucky, 40241). Visitation will begin at 11:00am and the memorial service will follow, starting at 2:00pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Karen’s memory to the Huntington’s Disease Society of America.
Condolences (3)
Judy Taylor
If illness is a giant, then Karen is a David!
In the first and only time that I had the opportunity to spend time in Karen’s presence I was so impressed with her determination to navigate with poise and grace. She spoke we understood. She moved with purpose.
Her family is so loving and proud of her.
God is so proud of your journey, and is waiting for you!
Judy Taylor
Concord, NC
Doug Sevens
Karen, we met by chance at the beach, and I never could have expected how much of an impression and impact you’ve made in my life. Your unimaginable kindness and selflessness will never be forgotten. You introduced me to your children, who’ve inherited your kind, welcoming spirit. I will carry you in my heart until we see each other again. Earth’s loss is certainly Heaven’s gain. May you rest in the loving arms of Jesus.
Karen D Gates
Karen. We shared being put up for adoption along with Donna. You found Donna and Sandy first with the help of Unsolved Mysteries . I happen to watch the show that day and at the end of the show they listed an investigator in Louisville that did birth, parent searches, which is how I found you guys. The thing that I will always remember about you no matter what is that laughter you had. You had an infectious very infectious laugh. I love you and I miss you with all my love your sister, Patty.