Karen Hood Simpson

October 12, 1961 - December 12, 2021

Karen Jean Hood Simpson, 60, of Newburg, passed away suddenly Sunday, December 12, 2021. She was born October 12, 1961, in St. Louis, Missouri, the daughter of James and Janice Hood. She was united in marriage on May 8, 2021, in Tybee Island, GA to Mike Simpson, who survives at the home. Karen was a graduate of St. James High School and continued to have strong ties in the community where she was recently serving as St. James Chamber of Commerce Director and previously with Pulaski County Tourism. Karen was always a “bootstrap” kind of person. Always willing and able to pull herself up by her bootstraps, this attitude helped her accomplish all her goals and resonated throughout her life. Her vivacious, positive, can-do attitude flowed through her life and work, creating new friendships, both locally and internationally, touching everyone with her kind, caring ways. She loved her family and friends and was always there to help and never gave up on anyone. She contributed and volunteered extensively throughout the area. She was a lover of animals and the natural world, becoming a certified Missouri Master Naturalist and founder of the Roubidoux Grotto caving community. She loved to spend time with her husband, Mike, on the river fishing and kayaking. Survivors include her husband, daughter, son-in-law, two grandchildren, brothers and sisters, and other friends and family who will cherish and love her deeply forever. She was preceded in death by her mother and father. A memorial service will be held At 2:00 PM , Thursday, December 16, 2021 at James and Gahr Mortuary in St. James. A visitation will be held at the Chapel prior to the service from 12:00 PM until service time. Memorials are suggested to Roubidoux Grotto Caving Group/ Newburg Children’s Museum, or a college fund that is being setup for her grand nephews. Cards are available at all James & Gahr locations.