Obituary of Karen Suzanne Bearden

Karen Suzanne Bearden died peacefully on June 12, 2023 surrounded by the love of her family and friends.  She is survived by her husband Vaughn, her daughter Rebecca, her son Matthew (Mariah). Born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, she was the daughter of Stephanie Pray Book, Dan Rhodes, Burt Glidden, and Gary Book. She was the sister of Cheryl Dehmlow (Brian), Daniel Rhodes (Jen), Allissa Simmons (Matt), and Geoffrey Rhodes (Steffie). She was the beloved sister-in-law, aunt and friend to many whose lives she enriched with her love and care.

She was an accomplished chef and pastry maker, and a queen of snark.  She was so proud of her children's determination, accomplishments, and love for each other.  She loved following hockey teams - particularly the Red Wings - and watching her daughter play offense and her son play goalie. She loved Portage Lake in Michigan, and snorkeling tropical reefs with sea turtles and flashy fish.  She loved black-eyed susans, dragonflies, frogs, dragons, and elephants.

Instead of flowers, donations to any animal welfare organization or addiction recovery program would honor her memory. Celebrations of her life will take place at later dates in both Tulsa and Michigan.