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Karen Fae (Thomas) Woodward was born February 22, 1947, and went home to be with the Lord on October 16, 2025. She was the second child of Norman and Detta (Wisner) Thomas. Karen was raised on the family farm southwest of Fort Supply, Oklahoma. Her childhood was filled with time spent alongside siblings and cousins, and the kind of memories that root a person firmly in faith and family. Polio came calling just before she turned two, but Karen never allowed her circumstances to limit her spirit. She carried with her a determined spark that would define her throughout her life.
She was a proud graduate of Fort Supply High School and earned a teaching degree from Northwestern Oklahoma State University. Upon graduation, Karen joined the American Red Cross during the Vietnam era. There, she found her purpose, serving and supporting military families for thirty-seven years. Though travel was a requirement of her occupation, she embraced it wholeheartedly, finding joy and fulfillment in every new destination. Karen's career with the American Red Cross took her on an extraordinary journey, deploying her to 16 different military bases between 1970 and 2007. While stationed in Germany with the American Red Cross, Karen witnessed history firsthand; she was there when the Berlin Wall came down. Visiting the Holy Land in the Middle East was a very special trip she enjoyed reflecting upon. Karen sent home letters and snapshots from every adventure, ensuring her parents and siblings shared in her travels.
Karen's nieces and nephews waited eagerly for her return visits and for the legendary "Aunt Karen slumber parties" held at the farm. Karen loved every minute of those noisy, giggly nights, at least until she fell asleep first, leaving Grandad Norman to tuck everyone in. She quickly learned that children wake up early, far earlier than she preferred. Karen always had a special bond with her nieces and nephews.
Somewhere along her journeys, fate introduced her to the love of her life, Mr. Walter "Woody" Woodward, and they were joined in marriage on April 17, 1986. Karen and Woody shared a loving marriage filled with laughter and adventure, delighting in traveling the world, attending performing arts events, savoring fine dining, and cherishing every moment together, even celebrating an anniversary in a castle in Germany. In retirement, the couple enjoyed taking cruise vacations to destinations such as Alaska, the South Pacific, and the Caribbean. They were married for twenty-nine and a half years before Woody's passing on December 22, 2015.
Karen had a remarkable talent for pulling off perfectly organized events, usually at the very last minute, proving that, in her hands, procrastination was simply a different kind of planning tool. She loved playing hostess, always eager to share new foods, cultures, and experiences with family and friends. Deeply valued were the friendships she built throughout her life, believing that true friends were one of life's greatest blessings. Always thoughtful, she made sure her friends never missed out when the Colorado peach truck came to town.
Retirement never slowed her down. In retirement, Karen remained as active and engaged as ever, dedicating her time and energy to a variety of causes and community activities. She volunteered with the Friends of the Library, contributed to programs at the Center for Creative Living, Sentinel Training, Red Hat Ladies, and participated in Brookridge activities and visitation. She attended and actively supported Lawton Performing Arts events, seizing every chance to enrich her community. Ever the competitor, Karen kept her sharp mind and playful spirit alive through spirited Scrabble matches, where she delighted in landing a triple word score, and through her favorite pastime of hunting for treasures at estate sales. Karen was deeply committed to her faith and actively supported and participated in her spiritual community by attending Cameron Baptist Church.
She reminded everyone that life's true beauty is found in the connections we make, the places we explore, and the courage to embrace new experiences. Those fortunate enough to know her will remember a woman who stood tall in both spirit and heart. Karen believed the world was meant to be seen, people were meant to be cared for, and joy was meant to be shared, always with her beloved four-legged canine companions faithfully by her side. Her legacy endures in the laughter she inspired, the lives she touched, and the stories that will be lovingly retold for years to come.
Karen is preceded in death by her husband, Woody; her parents, Norman & Detta Thomas; her brother, Robert "Bob" Thomas; her brother-in-law, Bill Wingo; and her nephew, Michael Thomas. Left to mourn her loss are her beloved pup, Pepper, older brother, NL (LeeAnn) Thomas of Ft. Supply, younger sisters, Carolyn (Larry) Thornton of Woodward, Sharolyn "Katie" Wingo of Ft. Supply, sister in law Judy Thomas of Ft. Supply, Step-son Dale Woodward of Cheyenne, Wyoming; Step-daughter Lynn Cline of Hagerstown, Maryland; special goddaughter, Keira Malone of Oklahoma City; and numerous nieces and nephews who love her dearly.
A memorial service celebrating her life is scheduled for Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., Cameron Baptist Church in Lawton, Oklahoma.
Memorial contributions may be sent to Billings Funeral Home, Woodward, Oklahoma, donated in Karen's name to the American Red Cross - Support Military and Veteran Families, Cameron Baptist Church - Special Offering, and Lawton Public Library - Friends of the Library.
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