Karla Mae Coleman

Karla Mae Coleman, 60 entered into rest on Aug. 8, 2015 at her home in Garden City, Kansas after a long struggle with cancer.  She was born Sept. 29, 1954 to Delmas and Melva (Grupe) McKnight in Wichita, Kansas.  She spent her childhood on the family farm near Rose Hill, Kansas and many happy memories were made there.  After graduating from Rose Hill High School in 1972 Karla worked at the Rose Hill Nursing home as a cook for several years.  She loved to cook and bake for the family also. 

She made her choice to serve God at 12 years of age and was true to that her whole life.  She had a deep love for God and lived to share that love with her children and family.  Her influence has gone out to many!

She married Steve Coleman on June 8, 1979 in Wichita Kansas.  They made their home in Garden City and had their own lawn mowing and janitorial business.  Karla continued with the janitorial business after Steve died.  They had many loyal employees who were their friends as well.  Their family was completed by their children, Bruce, Shari, Brian, and Stephanie.  They had a very open home and made all welcome!

She was a beloved mother, devoted wife, dedicated sister and aunt, a loving fellow-servant and friend.  She is survived by children, Bruce (Shelly) Blake & Shelby Coleman of Wamego, Kansas, Shari (Alex) Carroll of Windermere, Florida,  Brian (Aubrey) & Xander Coleman of Ft. Collins, Colorado, and Stephanie (Derek) & Race Releford of Garden City, Kansas; siblings, sister, Elaine (Dave) Musgrove of Belle Fourche, SD, brothers Daryl (Wanda) McKnight of Mathews, North Carolina, and Loren (Elisa) McKnight of Wichita, Kansas.  Karla is also survived by 7 nieces and nephews, 12 great-nieces and nephews, numerous cousins and a great host of friends.  She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Steve. 

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, August 13, 2015 at 10:30 A.M. at Price and Sons Funeral Home in Garden City, Kansas. 

Open Calling hours will be from 10:00 A.M. – 8:00 P.M. on Wednesday, August 12, 2015 at the funeral home.


Thank you to all who have offered your love and support through the past year and a half.  Words cannot express what your thoughts and care have meant to all of us. 

Written by Karla on 5-14-14 

My Greatest Longing

I want my soul to be safe in God’s will;

Help me to yield my life and to be still–

To hear His voice that speaks to my own soul,

Will help me be obedient, small and whole.

Lord, help me die to self and have control

Of things that would destroy and rob my soul;

It is not my own strength that would do this–

Full yielding to the Lord brings peace and bliss.

Help me to calmly face what comes my way;

Teach me to concentrate and truly pray.

I long to enter in and do my part,

And find true rest and peace of mind and heart.

I’ll soon be leaving this earth and its cares;

I’m thankful for each thought and all the prayers

That each one sent up to the Father above,

To help me feel more of His tender love.

My greatest longing, Lord, is that I’ll be

Kept safe with You for all eternity,

To live with You and Yours for evermore–

And share in singing praise on that blest shore.