Karen was raised in Grand Prairie, TX and graduated as a true Gopher from Grand Prairie High School. As a young woman she experienced life to the fullest. She proudly worked for Northrop Grumman for over 25 years as an Executive Assistant. She enjoyed reading, going to the movies, working on all types of puzzles but most of all watching sports. She loved cheering for her Texas teams; Dallas Cowboys, Dallas Mavericks, Texas Rangers and the Texas Longhorns.
Karen was vibrant, kind, giving and strong-willed. She enjoyed spending time with her friends, many of whom she shared lifelong friendships. Above all, she loved her family. She was a loving daughter, a supportive big sister and an exceptional mother to not only her children but also her dog Niles.
She is preceded in death by her daughter Nancy Denise Gulrich and father Howard McPherson.
Karen is survived by her son Jason Phelps and wife Ailsa, grandson Jordan Sanders, mother Barbara Steffey and husband Fred, sister Nancy Pittman, nephews Lance Pittman and Matt Pittman.