The Life of Karen Lee Holbrook

Children Scott and Lydia, grandchildren Chelsea, Hannah, Emily and Caleb, great grandchildren Clara and Colton; these are the progeny and legacy of this child of God, Karen Holbrook. Also left behind for now, a best friend, husband and companion, Kirby Holbrook whose broken heart will not be whole again util that Great Reunion.

How do you describe and honor a person that was your world for 57 years? Maybe a fraction of the highlights of her adventure with us on earth.

She grew up in Carthage Mo living in her grandmother’s house her entire life until she left for a teaching degree at S.M.S. (now Missouri State University.)

She once won a first place trophy at the dragstrip in Pittsburg, Ks in her Dad’s Renault Dalphine. (only entry in class).

Always up for taking a risk, she loved riding on the back of our motorcycle, learning to Scuba Dive (She was an excellent swimmer and totally at home in the water), going on many impromptu trips to new places far and near, serving on a mission team to Chihuahua, Mexico in hundred degree weather, pouring her heat and soul into loving and teaching hundreds of second graders, (she spared no expense and time to make their room as inviting and learner friendly as possible and always found ways to tie her travel into practical lessons),

She sometimes guarded her emotions, but often cared and loved far more deeply than she showed on the surface. She did not like crowds, but loved people and even in these last few years in her battle with that bastard Alzheimer’s, she would stop in restaurants and visit with strangers, especially babies and little kids. No one was prouder of her family and she understood the meaning of unconditional love.

She was the best God given wife, friend and companion. As a friend said, we were “peanut butter and jelly” and we made the most delicious life sandwich. You made the world a better place my love, and you were really something.

A very special thank you: to our children, Scott Holbrook and Lydia Goodwin for seeing their Mom through to the end and making these days bearable for their Dad. To all her many friends who loved her and offered many prayers and condolences, especially Sherry Richards who was her weekly companion for these last few years and with whom she shared many adventures. To the amazing friends at Integrity Hospice whose compassion and love were so genuine and ultimately, to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit who gave her as a special gift to this world and whose agape love now fill her Spirit. 

A Celebration of Life will be held on March 30 at 4:00 at Aldersgate Church in Nixa, MO. Note: The day and time of this service will be exactly 57 years since our wedding day in 1969. More service information to follow.