Karen Kay Myers

Mrs. Karen Kay Myers (nee Batsell) of Goodyear, Arizona died February 1, 2023 at 12:09am in Goodyear, Arizona. She was born January 13, 1946 in Bethany, Oklahoma to Randolph “Buddy” Batsell and Estella Maxine Batsell (nee Schuman).

Though small of stature, she exhibited large athletic ability equaling or exceeding the maximum national requirements for physical fitness and performance. From middle school forward, boys’ track coaches had potential sprinters run against her. She once beat Ralph Mann who became an Olympic medalist. She didn’t take up tennis until after age 30, but won the very first singles tournament she entered. At her peak, she rose to a USTA rating of 4.5.

She graduated from Carson High School in Carson, California in 1964 with the first graduating class from that school.

She married Gene Myers July 1, 1966 at Wayferer’s Chapel in Portuguese Bend, California and gave birth to Peggy Gayle (1967) and Geoffrey Eugene (1970). She was married for 56 years and seven months.

For the last five years, she volunteered at Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church Outreach, an organization that provides food on a weekly basis for 50 to 80 families. She was the Outreach Director for four years.

Her selfless kindness and service to others was legendary.

She was preceded in death by her parents Randoph “Buddy” and Estella Maxine Batsell, brothres Bob Schuman and Richard Batsell, and sisters Roberta Jean (RJ) Whisler and Linda Bailey. Kay is survived by her husband, Gene Myers, daughter Peggy Kalama, son Geoffrey Myers, brothers Larry, Jerry, and David Batsell, and grandson Ryan Kekai Kalama. She is also survived by numerous nephews, nieces, great-nephews, great-nieces and several great-great nephews and nieces.

A funeral will be held at 1:00pm on February 14 at Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church, Goodyear, Arizona.

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