Karen Darlene Elliott passed from this life March 21, 2023, a few months after finding out she had terminal cancer. She spent her last little bit of time here at the home of her daughter and son-in-law in Edmond, Oklahoma. Karen was born March 24, 1941 in Longdale, Oklahoma, the youngest of six children born to Russell and Lena (Kirtley) Kennett.
She moved a few times but eventually ended up back in Longdale, where she graduated High School. Growing up, her family were custom harvesters and each year they traveled from south Texas to Canada harvesting wheat.
Karen moved to Yukon in 1970 and remained in Canadian County until 2006 when she moved to her final home in Edmond, Oklahoma. She met and married Buster Elliott in 1972. They were married for over 30 years in which time made many great memories. They remained friends until she passed away.
In 1976, Karen went through Real Estate school and began her dream career. She loved being a realtor. Her greatest joy was finding the perfect home for her clients. Karen was excellent at her job and stayed at the top of her field in the Yukon area. When she was able to take time off, you could find her fishing all day at the hidden ponds near Lake Tenkiller. She enjoyed traveling to different lakes participating in the husband/wife fishing tournaments with Buster. When they weren’t trying to land the “big one,” you could find them at the Bingo hall. Once she retired, Karen enjoyed going to movies, traveling with her daughter, and playing Texas Hold-em at one of the local casinos. Winning a “bad beat jackpot” is rare, she hit one on four separate occasions.
Once Karen moved to her final home in Edmond, she loved spending time in the kitchen whipping up her classic comfort foods to feed her family, friends, or anyone who happened to stop by. After she fed you, she had no problem beating you in a game of Yahtzee, Skipbo, or the vicious Aggravation.
Once Jesus touched her heart, she could not get enough of Him. She spent her final years seeking to learn as much as she could about the bible.
You could say Karen was a passionate and competitive person. She taught others to go “all-in” whatever you do in life, whether it be your career, your hobby, or your family. Put your heart and your passion into it, become the very best you can.
Karen is preceded in death by her parents, siblings, Joanne Kennett, Daryl Kennett, Calvin Kennett, Dennis Kennett, and Danielle Robinson.
She leaves to carry on her legacy, son Colin Boyse and wife Dianne of Scottsdale, AZ, daughter Shelly Downs and husband Shane of Edmond, OK, sister- in- law Louise Kennett of Clinton, OK, and sister-in-law Sarah Kennett of Yukon, OK. Grandchildren Kyle Boyse, Jessica Valeich, Cyrena Wolever, Kaden Downs, Tanner Downs and numerous great grandchildren.
A special thank you to Humanity Hospice for the caring group who helped with Karen in her final weeks.
Memorials in Karen’s name can be made to American Cancer Society. https://donate.cancer.org/
A service to celebrate Karen’s life will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 14, 2023 at Chapel Hill Funeral Home, 8701 N.W. Expressway, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73162.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.chapelhill-okc.com for the Elliott family.
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