Karen Avent Harrel 1841 ~ 2024
Karen Avent (Kauk) Harrel, born on July 9, 1941, on the family farm southeast of Leedey in Custer County to Paul and Doris (Avent) Kauk, departed this earthly life on January 28, 2024. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend to many.
Growing up in Leedey, Oklahoma, Karen attended school and graduated from Leedey High School as part of the Class of 1959. On June 5, 1959, she married the love of her life, G.W. Harrel, at the Methodist Church in Leedey. Together, they built a life on the family ranch located 7 miles northwest of Leedey, where they raised their three children, Celo, Jason, and Misti.
Karen was not only a proud mother but also a dedicated rancher. Her life was a testament to hard work, commitment, and love for her family and community. She found joy and fulfillment in being a master gardener, tending to koi ponds, and being the biggest fan of Leedey Bison sports.
Her faith played a significant role in her life, as evidenced by her memberships in various organizations such as Leedey Methodist Church, Eastern Star, Canadian Club, and MYF. Christened at 14 months old, Karen was baptized on April 5, 1953, in the Leedey Methodist Church. She served as a former church pianist and long-time church organist, beginning her musical journey at the age of 6 and continuing until her passing.
Karen was preceded in death by her beloved husband, G.W. Harrel, son, Jason Harrel, her parents, Paul and Doris Kauk, her niece Susan Ringer Slane, and her grandparents Pete and Lydia Kauk and John and Willie Avent. She is survived by her children Celo Harrel and wife Michelle of Leedey, Misti Goldston and husband Charles of Leedey, and daughter-in-law Michele (Harrel) Penner and husband Lonnie of Clinton; sister Sharon Ringer and husband Kenneth of Edmond; grandkids, Tisha England, Jacob Harrel and wife Lena, Meagen Harrel, Brooke Harrel, Josh Harrel, C.J. Harrel, Brandon Goldston and wife Alli, Jacee Harrel, Christopher Goldston, Kenzie Rounds, and Anthony Murphy and wife Kim; great grandkids, Rory England, Jase Harrel, Hadley Harrel, Ellie Harrel, Emersyn Goldston, Kimber Harrel, Beckett Goldston, Isaiah Murphy, and James Murphy; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, lifelong friends, and her Methodist church family. Karen Avent (Kauk) Harrel will be remembered for her unwavering love, her dedication to family and community, and the enduring legacy she leaves behind. May she rest in eternal peace, surrounded by the gardens she lovingly tended and the music she played so beautifully.
Memorials may be made to the Leedey Methodist Church or the Leedey Baseball, C/O Shaw Funeral Home, P.O. Box 276, Vici, OK 73859.
