Karen J Pyne, 78, a longtime Miami, Okla. resident died Monday, August 23, 2021 at her home. Born March 28, 1943 in Columbus, Karen was the daughter of P. Wayne and Edna Mae (York) Sullivan. Karen grew up in Columbus, where she had wonderful childhood memories and friends that she cherished her entire life. Karen was a graduate of Cherokee County Rural High School with the class of 1961. She attended Kansas State University, where she was a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority.
Karen and Larry Pyne were united in marriage December 30, 1962 at Columbus. The couple moved to Kansas City where she completed her degree in social work from University of Missouri Kansas City.
Upon Larry’s graduation from dental school, they moved to Miami, Okla. where Karen helped start up and support his dental practice for over 40 years. Karen raised her two beloved daughters and was very involved with their school activities, including school PTA, girl scouts, band trips and loved welcoming all the girls’ friends into her home. Karen and Larry loved visiting their girls at Oklahoma State University and attending football games and sorority events, especially Mom’s Day.
After raising her girls, Karen began to work at Baptist Regional Health Center in marketing/community relations and developed the foundation from the ground up, raising funds in excess of one million dollars. Karen was loved by many in the community and cherished her friendships. She loved to be with friends, always smiling, fun loving, graceful, kind and friendly to all. She truly was her family’s brightest light.
In 2005, she retired to be full-time grandmother to Paige and Mason, whom she adored. She enjoyed many school functions, play dates, stay-overs, tea parties and trips to Mexico with them. Karen and Larry loved to travel and experienced many wonderful trips over the years with dear friends, especially their yearly trip to Puerto Vallarta. Karen loved the water, enjoying years at the lake, scuba diving and relaxing on the beach.
Karen was very involved in the community, including PEO Chapter EJ, Friday Study Club, bridge club and numerous committees and volunteer organizations. She was a member of All Saints Episcopal Church, where she was one of the first female members of the church vestry.
Karen was preceded in death by her parents Wayne and Edna Sullivan, a brother John Sullivan and sister Gwen Emmons.
Those who will share Karen’s memories are her husband of fifty-eight years Larry Pyne of the home, her children Sara Clark (husband Ken) of Miami, Okla. Susan Pyne of Tulsa, Okla.; grandchildren Paige Clark of Overland Park and Mason Clark of Miami, Okla.; brother Jerry Sullivan (wife Pat) of Grove, Okla.; sister Joyce Carr of Garland, Texas; sisters-in-law Connie Sullivan of Sioux Falls, South Dakota and Paula Ellis (husband D.G). of Jenks, Okla.; along with numerous cousins, nieces and nephews and her beloved dog Buddy.
There will be a Celebration of Life at 11 a.m. Friday, August 27 at All Saints Episcopal Church in Miami, Okla. Reverend Noel Doherty and Reverend Kay Boman Harvey will officiate. The family recommends masks at the service.
The family asks that memorial contributions be made to Miami Animal Alliance, Animal Welfare and Adoption Agency, All Saints Memorial Fund or Integris Miami Memorial Foundation, Karen Pyne Memorial in her honor.
Friends and family may send the family notes of encouragement by viewing Mrs. Pyne’s Tribute Page at www.brown-winters.com.