Karen Denise Watson, a beloved daughter, sister, aunt, and faithful friend, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on June 3rd, 2025, at the age of 69. Born on October 2nd, 1955, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Karen lived her life in Collinsville, where her heart touched so many.

Karen's life was built on a foundation of faith. She loved Jesus with all her heart, and that love showed in the way to be cared for others, always quick to offer a kind word, a warm hug, or a helping hand. She was a true example of Christ’s love, and her greatest joy came from being in His presence, whether at church, serving others, or living out her faith in everyday life. While our hearts ache with the loss of her here on earth, we find peace knowing she is now whole and rejoicing in heaven.

Those who knew Karen will never forget her unmistakable smile, humor, and contagious laugh. Her laughter could fill a room, and her smile made you feel at home, no matter where you were. She brought joy with her everywhere she went people gravitated toward her due to her joyful spirit.

A proud graduate of Collinsville High school's Class of 1973, Karen spent her working years in places where she built strong relationships and left lasting impressions. Throughout the years, she worked at Bovard. Arby's, Reasor’s, her church, the Owasso and Collinsville Public Schools, and retired from Whirlpool in 2023. In every role she had, she was dependable, kind, and always willing to help.

Karen's world revolved around her family and friends. She loved being “Aunt Karen” more than anything. She could be seen cheering her nephews from the bleachers at baseball games, attending high school football games, going to friends’ soccer matches, helping at piano recitals, and celebrating every milestone, big or small. She never missed a birthday party or graduation, or other life events, and she was the one you could count on to just show up with love, with joy, and often with the Sonic drink in hand (always unsweet tea, lots of ice, no lemon).

She loved her Branson getaways, trips to Tennessee and Louisiana to visit family, Tex-Mex dinners, football Saturdays with the OSU Cowboys, and laughing until tears rolled down her face with her best friend, Kathy. She and Kathy were each other's sidekicks, inseparable in heart, always there for one another through thick and thin. Kathy and Joel’s family weren't just friends, they were family to Karen in every way that mattered.

Karen was welcomed into heaven by her parents, Leonis Dean Watson and Doretta Maureen Stevens Watson; her sister and brother-in-law, Michelle and Tom Shouse; and her brother, David Watson.

She is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Steven and Cindy Watson; her sister and brother-in-law Carol and Russell Masters; and her brother-in-law, Curt Allison. She also leaves behind her treasured nieces and nephew, Katie and PJ McFadden and their children, Jett and Cruz; Ryan and Jerry Watson; April and John Trya and their children, Harrison and Zoey; Bryan and Sarah Masters and their children, Londyn and Hunter; Sarah and Sean Molloy and their children, Landon, Liam, Lynley, and Lucas; and Misty and Jarrod Rhodes and their children, Madison, and Jacob and Taylor Rhodes and their son, Grayson. She is also survived by her chosen family, Joel and Kathy Carpenter, Karen Summit, Jarryd, Kelly, Alyssa and their families.

Karen's life was full of grace, faith, laughter, and love. She will be missed more than words can say, but we rest in the promise that she is now in her eternal home, smiling that  beautiful smile and singing with joy in the presence of Jesus.

A celebration of life service will be held at 10 AM on July 1st at Collinsville freewill Baptist Church. All who knew and loved caring provided join in honoring her beautiful life.