Karen Gaye Riddel, Daughter, Mother, Oma, and friend to many, passed away on December 11, 2023 at the age of 68. Karen was born to Geraldine “Gerri” and Willard “Bill” Wortman on October 23, 1955 in Wichita, KS. Karen grew up in Wichita and graduated from West High School. Karen attended Friends University in Wichita, where she was an active member of the Delta Rho Sorority and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Home Economics. In addition to being a homemaker and mother of 5, Karen worked for many years as a committed special education teacher and adult education teacher for McAlester Public Schools. Karen was also a long-time member and Deacon at the First Presbyterian Church of McAlester. Karen was most recently involved in the Community Bible Study held at the First United Methodist Church as well as the Women’s Bible Study on Revelation at Renewal Church. Karen was preceded in death by her father, Willard Wortman, and her brother, Kent Wortman. Karen is survived by and will be immensely missed by her mother, Geraldine “Gerri” Wortman of Wichita, KS; her sister, Kristen Cooper of Wichita, KS; her children, Ryan Riddel and Laura Gomez of Norman, OK, Kyle and Lindsay Riddel of Edmond, OK, Kacy and Alicia Riddel of Oklahoma City, OK, Ross and Molly Riddel of Tulsa, OK, and Keely and Colby DeGiacomo of Tulsa, OK; and her grandchildren, Ayden, Emma, Hagen, Olivia, Liam, Bray, Everett, and Isabella. A Celebration of Life honoring Karen with be held on January 6, 2024 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the clubhouse at Fin and Feather, McAlester. The family welcomes you to drop by anytime during those hours to visit and share your treasured memories.
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