Karen Caulfield

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

It is with great sadness that the family of Karen Caufield (age 73) announce her passing on 26 Oct 2024. She went peacefully to the Lord at home surrounded by family and love. She will be tenderly remembered for her compassion, love, and commitment to her family.

Karen Sue (Richardson) Caufield was born in Norman, OK on August 8, 1951, to her parents Wayne and Cora Richardson. Two months later, her father moved the family to Bartlesville, OK where Karen lived her first 17 years, and she graduated from Sooner High School in the spring of 1969. That fall, she began her college years at the University of Oklahoma and graduated in 1973, attaining a degree in Elementary Education. That same year, she met the love of her life, Dennis Caufield. They entered marriage in November 1973.

Karen began her teaching career in the Putnam City Schools. In 1992, she attained her master’s in special education from Oklahoma State University in Tulsa, OK. Karen cared deeply about impacting the minds and lives of young people through the classroom and during her time as a Girl Scout troop leader. She remained in education for many years throughout Oklahoma and Missouri. When she reached retirement in 2014, she completed her career at Carl Junction Schools.

She was preceded in death by her sister Glenda Miller and parents Wayne and Cora Richardson.

Karen is survived by her devoted husband of 51 years, Dennis Caufield, her daughter, Angela Caufield of Choctaw, OK, and her son, John Caufield of Mission, KS. She is also survived by her younger sisters, Linda Dobyns of Bartlesville, OK and Kathy Morris of Broken Arrow, OK.

Karen was a woman with many hobbies. She pursued gardening, embroidery, painting, reading and spending time with her animals, including dogs and several cats over the years. She also enjoyed her walks with Dennis along the trails in Carl Junction, MO.

She was a loving wife, mother, friend and passionate educator who left her mark on the lives of her students and all who knew her. She will be deeply missed and remembered by those who loved her.

Visitation will be held at Mason-Woodard Mortuary from 5:00 to 7:00 pm Friday, November 1. Funeral service will be at 10:00 am Saturday, November 2 at Mt. Hope Church of Christ at 2830 Mt. Hope Rd, Webb City, MO.

In lieu of flowers, her family has requested that donations be made to the Dementia Society of America online at www.dementiasociety.org/donate or in care of the mortuary.

Arrangements under the direction of Mason-Woodard Mortuary & Crematory – Joplin, Missouri.