Karen Kesler

(From Paul Thomas Funeral Home)

Karen Alice Kesler of Quapaw, OK passed from this life Sunday, August 17, 2025 at her home. She was 88.

Karen was born August 21, 1936 in Quapaw, OK to Herbert Homer and Verga (Ferris) Mulvaney. She had lived in the Quapaw area most of her life other than 4 years she when she lived in Wichita, KS.

She received her Master's Degree in Special Education and taught Kindergarten, Third Grade and Elementary Special Education Reading. She had taught in Wichita Public Schools, Seneca Public Schools and Westview School. She was a member of Warren's Branch Baptist Church in Hornet, MO.

Karen was preceded in death by her husband, Robert H. Kesler on March 11, 2021. She was also preceded by her father, Herbert Homer Mulvaney, her mother, Verga Mulvaney Brookshire, her step-father, Glen Brookshire, her brother, Loren Mulvaney and her sister, Esther Frances Burkhart.

Karen was also known as “MeMe”to her grandchildren and family. MeMe was spirited and fun. She loved shopping, especially bargain shopping at the Goodwill. She would stay for hours, out-shopping even her grandchildren. She also loved being spoiled with jewelry, especially diamonds. Papa always made sure she had plenty. Karen was also a teacher for many years, starting in Wichita,KS, and then over 30 years in Seneca,MO. She finished up her career at Westview,MO. Her students loved her and always talk about “Mrs. Kesler”. She taught kindergarten most of her career, but teaching kids to read was her passion. MeMe was loved by all who knew her. She will be missed greatly.

Karen is survived by 1 son, Timothy Kesler of Quapaw, OK, 1 daughter, Joy Bechtel and her husband Randy of Monett, MO, 6 grandchildren, Brandy McMahan, Krisy Anderson, Grant Hicks, Robbie Kesler, Heather Paquet and Becky Barnes, 12 great-grandchildren and 2 great great-grandchildren..

Services will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, August 22, 2025 at Warren's Branch Baptist Church in Hornet, MO with Rev. Wendall Brown officiating. Interment will be at 2:30 p.m. Friday at Mound Valley Cemetery in Mound Valley, KS with Christopher Paquet, Austin Stephens, T.J. Stephens, Robbie Kesler, Blaeton Star and Jared Mulvaney serving as pallbearers. The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 6 - 8 p.m. at Paul Thomas Funeral Home in Miami, OK. Services have been placed in the care of Paul Thomas Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Miami, OK. Online condolences may be made at www.paulthomasfuneralhomes.com.