Karen Ann Birt

A life well-lived ended for Karen Ann Birt, 81, on June 26, 2026. She was born April 4, 1945, the daughter of Vernon R. and Ruby M. Taylor.

Karen graduated from Burlingame High School in 1966. She was employed by King Radio in Ottawa, Kansas and moved to Topeka in 1989, where she was employed by Aldersgate Village before retiring.

Karen married James Brandon on June 7, 1966 in Burlingame, Kansas. They had two children, Lisa Markham and Kevin Brandon. They later divorced. She married Alfred J. Birt. He preceded her in death on January 6, 1998.

She loved to dance and go to the Post 400. Everyone loved Karen. She brought joy and laughter to those around her. Karen had a kind heart and was fun to take on road trips.

Survivors include children, Lisa A. Markham of Topeka and Kevin L. Brandon of Tulsa, Oklahoma; four grandchildren, Tara (Justin) Evans, Brandon (Bri) Markham, Devin Sester, Nathan Markham; six great-grandchildren, Mia, Layla, Lucas, Roman, Alex, and Jackson; her two siblings, Verna (Jeff) Hutton and Loren Taylor and her brother in law, Bill Sowers. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Betty Sowers.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, July 6, 2026 at Parker-Price and Davidson Funeral Home where the family will receive friends one hour prior to service. She will be laid to rest at Burlingame Community Cemetery in Burlingame, KS.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the American Heart Society.

To leave the family a special message online, please visit www.ParkerPriceFH.com.