by Mary Wilson
Chances are, if you’ve spent any time in downtown Grandview
or along Blue Ridge over the past several years, you’ve likely run into
64-year-old Karen Harmeyer. Known in the community as a friendly,
down-on-her-luck homeless woman, Harmeyer said she used to work as a nurse
before her life took a turn.
Harmeyer was found murdered on July 19, her body discovered
in a wooded area behind a church on Blue Ridge by those who checked on her
regularly. Since then, due to no known relatives, her remains have been held at
the Jackson County Medical Examiner’s office.
A group of local pastors and community members gathered
together this week to give Harmeyer a proper funeral. With her remains being
released to the community members, a service has been arranged for Tuesday,
December 5, from 5-6 p.m., at Faith Ministries Community Church, 12222 Blue
Ridge Blvd. in Grandview.
“We all feel very strongly that despite her chosen lifestyle,
Karen deserves the dignity of a proper funeral and burial,” said local business
owner Michael Lane. “There is nothing anyone can do about her senseless demise,
but as community we can make sure she is laid to rest with the respect and
dignity every human being deserves.”
The community is invited to Harmeyer’s memorial services,
arranged with the help of Grandview Police Chaplain Lenny Laguardia. McGilley
and George Funeral Home has donated a plot for her remains and Harmeyer will be
laid to rest in Belton Cemetery.
“We cannot allow an act of senseless evil be the legacy,”
said Lane. “Through her tragedy we as a community can show that good is more
powerful then evil.”
Last month, Jackson County Prosecutors announced charges
against Frederick Scott in connection to Harmeyer’s death. Scott is also facing
charges in several other deaths in the South Kansas City area, though it is
unknown what his involvement was in Harmeyer’s murder as details connecting
Scott and Harmeyer have not been released.
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