Karen Denise Knerr (Russell) (Alvarado)

Karen Denise Knerr (Russell) (Alvarado), 71, of Salina, passed away Monday, June 23, 2025.  She was born on April 14, 1954 in Alexandria, Louisiana to Clifford and Gladys Ricks. 

Karen graduated from Boyce High School, Louisiana, in 1972 and later moved to Salina.  She married Keith Russell and together they owned and operated Russell’s Restaurant in Salina.  She also worked at Red Lobster for 11 years, managed Flying J Restaurant for several years, and worked at Longhorn Steakhouse and Kwik Shop until her retirement in 2020.   

Karen was united in marriage to Kenneth Knerr on December 17, 2021.

She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Sue Lynn Bordeaux.

Karen is survived by her husband, Kenneth; two sisters, Betty Jo Kinder (Gene) of Lafayette, LA, Janice Carroll of Alexandria, LA; brother, Gene Ricks of Clear Lake Shores, TX, brother-in-law, Tollie Bordeaux of Alexandra, LA; fur babies, Lakota Dawn and Chloe Dee; and may loving nieces, nephews and friends. 

There will be no funeral services at this time.   

Memorials to Salina Animal Services. 

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