June 29, 1944 -June 04, 2025
Karen Salsbury, a woman of extraordinary musical talent, keen intellect, and unwavering determination, passed away peacefully on June 4, 2025,with her family at her side. Born on June 29, 1944, in Mauston, Wisconsin, her early passion for music blossomed into an illustrious career and a lifelong devotion to education.
A consummate musician, Karen was the first chair violist for a combined 20 years, gracing the stages of both the Atlanta Ballet Symphony and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Her love for music extended beyond performance; she was a private instructor for many years, beginning even before high school graduation and continuing through her retirement until 2020. Her academic journey reflected her deep value for music and learning, culminating in a Bachelor’s degree from Kansas State College of Pittsburg in 1966, a Master of Music from Florida State University in 1971, and her earlier graduation from Fort Scott High School in 1962.
Karen’s professional life was also marked by significant contributions to academia. She served as the Coordinator of the Emory University College Honors Program and Political Science Departmentfrom1980 to 1999. Later, she was an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Music at Cottey College from2000 to 2006, a Studio Instructor at Fort Scott Community College from
1999 to 2016, and a Faculty Affiliate in the Department of Music at Emory University for seven years.
A devoted, active member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Karen’s faith was a guiding light. She served faithfully as the organist for many years and held numerous leadership roles, including treasurer and stewardship. Her contributions to the church’s music ministry were immeasurable, continuing actively until her passing.
Karen possessed a uniquely sharp wit and dry humor that illuminated every interaction. She was incredibly precise, discerning, and determined, leaving no room for doubt about her thoughts or intentions. While there was little mystery to Karen’s preferences, there was true magician her presence, her devotion, and her mastery of deadpan humor. Her absence will be profoundly felt.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Floyd and Gretchen Salsbury, two brothers, Donald and David Salsbury, and one great-nephew, Alden Kiwan. Karen is survived by her sister, Zandra Hood; nieces Kathryn Salsbury, Victoria Hood, Dawn Salsbury, and Erica Salsbury; nephewRyan Salsbury; and great-nephews Patrick Fox, Kaden Kiwan, Jessden Kiwan (and wife Jorden), and Boden Kiwan.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Wednesday, June 11th at the Trinity Lutheran Church, with Pastor Michael Apfel officiating. Graveside services will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. The family will receive friends from5 to 7 P.M. Tuesday at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to the Trinity Lutheran Church and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook atcheneywitt.com.
