Karen Lee Ghormley

Karen Lee Ghormley went to be with her Lord on September 22nd, 2021, in Edmond, Oklahoma. Our mom was born on February 12th, 1939, in Blackwell, Oklahoma to Kenneth and Beatrice Sole. She grew up in Blackwell, and she loved her parents. She was athletic and had a beautiful singing voice.

Mom attended Stephens College and Oklahoma Baptist University, but came home from college to care for family when her mother suddenly died. Karen and Wayne were married for 61 years and had three daughters, Becky, Brenda, and Beverly. Dad ran his medical and surgical practice and Mom ran the home. She filled our home with fun, friends and food. Family, church and community activities always kept her very busy.

Now to mention a few of her interests. P.E.O. Chapter AB and ES has been such a special and important part of her life since 1970. The Singing Churchwomen of Oklahoma was a joy for 20 years. She served at the Blackwell Hospital and cared for the elderly through Meals on Wheels. Church was an integral part of her life. She was raised in the First Baptist Church of Blackwell and joined the Quail Springs Baptist Church in Oklahoma City after they retired.

Faith, family and friends were the most important things to Mom. She always took time for friends to play a round of golf, one rubber of bridge, or a match of tennis. As a family, we always went to the Rocky Mountains to ski. As empty nesters Mom and Dad took on new adventures like flying to Alaska, buying a motorcycle there and driving it home. Camping in a tent at the foot of Mt. McKinley was a highlight for her.

Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her joy! Balloons and gifts were always a part of her celebration with them. Some thoughts from mom’s journal expressed her purpose in life: “I want my commitment to my Lord to always have priority in my life and pray that love will be my motivation in how I live my life.” Well done, Mom!

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Dr. Wayne Ghormley, her daughter, Becky Osuna, her stepdaughter, Catherine Cullen, and her brother, Kenneth Sole. Karen is survived by children, Beverly (David) Cochenour, Brenda (Mark) Brown, Mary (Rudy) Villareal, and her sister, Polly (Jim) Davis. She leaves her grandchildren, Katie (Jon) Burrows, Brooke (Matt) Reames, Kaylee Cochenour, Eric Osuna, Rachel Osuna, Sarah (Derek) Campos and their children Channing, Deklan, Kellen, and Lelan, Rachael (Tom) Maschka and their children Amelie and August, Meghan (Brad) Dow and their children Grayson and Paxton, Alison Ruhs (Moe Elsheihh) and their children Adam and Zachary, and Catie (Chris) Foye and their children Rowan and Raegan, as well as Sisters-in-law, Sally Ghormley and Ruth Ghormley.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 1st, 2021, at Quail Springs Baptist Church, 14613 North May Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73134. The graveside service follows at 3:00 p.m. at the Blackwell Cemetery located at 2244 South Main Street, Blackwell, OK. 74631 The funeral home is Smith & Kernke, 14624 N, May Ave, Oklahoma City, OK. 73134 http://www. smithandkernke.com Suggested memorials include the Blackwell Public School Foundation, Oklahoma Projects Fund Education Grant (mail to: P.E.O. Treasurer, 3500 Walking Sky, Edmond, OK 73013) as well as World Vision at https://www.worldvision.org.