Karen Davis Root

Root, Karen Davis, 62, passed away suddenly after a hemorrhagic stroke in her home in Eastborough, Tuesday July 12, 2011. She was born December 6, 1948 in Manhattan, KS. She is preceded in death by her husband James; parents Bill and Bunny Davis, and her dogs Spoofer, Magoo, Murphy, Belvedere, Black Dog, Oakley and Riley. Karen is survived by daughter, Holly Root; son, Will Root; daughter-in-law, Jen Root and dogs, Scout, Rusty, Bailey, Betty, Zoie and Ella, all of Wichita. Karen grew up in Manhattan, KS and graduated from Manhattan High in 1966. She then pledged with Alpha Delta Pi sorority and began her college education studying Fine Arts at Kansas State University. She moved to Wichita where she put down roots and started a family. She had a lifelong love of food and cooking and shared that experience with others. Her passion for food began at a young age when she tried to sell her homemade mud pies to children in the neighborhood. That same entrepreneurial spirit translated into a career in serving, catering, and creating food in many different ways. Her humble beginnings in a small kitchen led to sudden success and a fulfilled dream of business ownership as co-owner of Cork and Canap for over 15 years. In her extensive repertoire of recipes and unique creations, some would say she was best known for her rhubarb pie. Most recently Karen worked as the Kitchen Coordinator at Plymouth Congregational Church in Wichita, KS. She served a Wednesday dinner weekly. The congregation, family, friends and neighbors of the church loved all of her meals on holidays and special occasions. Her nurturing and giving spirit was not restricted to just her family and friends, but also her dogs. She loved the underdogs of the dog world - all of hers were rescued. They often ate as well, and sometimes better, than the rest of the family. She was an avid collector of antiques, including postcards, linens and buttons. She felt a commitment to hold on to things that others might not consider saving. She saw beauty in small, and nearly forgotten objects. She found a way to present them that brought out their significance for everyone to enjoy. She was a fan of college baseball and loved the purity of the game. She avidly tuned into the College World Series and the NBC Tournament in Wichita, attending in person as much as she could. She always made time to talk to anybody. People were more important than being on time for the next appointment. She saw a deeper purpose and reason for every encounter and experience no matter how seemingly insignificant it might first appear. Karen was thoughtful and genuine and was looked to by many as a confidante and friend. The family is truly grateful for the outpouring of support from so many caring friends and family members. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, July 22, at Plymouth Congregational Church, 202 N. Clifton, Wichita, KS 67208. An “Eating Well Living Artfully” party, to celebrate Karens life, will take place later that day at 6:00 p.m. at Abode Venue, 1330 E. Douglas, Wichita, 67214. Memorials have been established with Plymouth Congregational Church Kitchen Renovation Fund, Congregational Mission in Argentina, c/o Plymouth Congregational Church and Lifeline Animal Placement and Protection, 310 W. 45th N., Wichita, KS, 67204. Downing Lahey Mortuary East. Tributes may be sent to the family via /www.dlwichita.com