Karen Ray Root Reeves

Karen Ray Root Reeves passed into the arms of Jesus on February 10, 2025. Born February 1, 1947 at Breckenridge Hospital (“Old Red”) in Austin, TX to parents Ewing Dunne Root and Nila Maultsby Root. She was one of four children: Steve Root, Martha Root Middleton and Jan Root. She was a 5th generation Texan and 2nd generation University of Texas College of Pharmacy graduate. The five most important things to her were: Texas, Dr. Pepper, UT, family, and Jesus, in that order.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Steve, and sister Martha. She is survived by her son Sean Ashby Reeves, his wife Annie, and their triplets, Kylie Mae, Ashby Ray, and Eadan Sean; her sister, Jan Root and her partner Richard Chaffee; nephew, Michael Root and his partner, Krystal Helton; brother-in-law, Mark Middleton; and cousins Charlie Root, Leslie Linn, and John Pipkin.

She attended Baker Elementary and Junior High and graduated from McCallum High School in 1965. She played trombone in the band, which she continued throughout her life, and participated in intramural sports, playing badminton and softball. She earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of Texas College of Pharmacy in 1970 and worked in retail and community pharmacies until her retirement in 2020 from CVS. After graduating, she was a co-owner of Little Walnut Pharmacy, where she began a long career of training pharmacy interns and educating the next generation of pharmacists.

She was involved with the Capitol Area Pharmaceutical Association and co-wrote a history of Austin’s Grove Drug. A talented artist, she designed artwork for the centennial celebration in 1993 for the University of Texas College of Pharmacy where it was displayed in their foyer during the entire centennial year.

A dedicated worker, she found time to train and run in several marathons, including Austin and twice in Hawaii. She also found the time to explore and better learn about Texas history while traveling with her son and close friends. Later in life, she joined family members and retired UT Faculty and Staff on a tour of Ireland. She enjoyed her time living on Lake Travis, which became a meeting place for family and friends. She adopted, fed and cared for any and all stray animals, including dogs, feral cats and raccoons.

The joy of her retired years was spending time with her three grandchildren. Like her grandmother who allowed her grandchildren to choose what they would call her, Karen allowed her grandchildren to call her by “Pop-paw.” Which she joyously accepted. She attended all dance recitals, orchestra and band programs and every athletic event.

From her father she inherited her mechanical ability and, on several occasions, she took it upon herself the task of rebuilding cars and remodeling her home. From her mother she inherited her strong work ethic.

A celebration of life for Karen Reeves will be held at 11:00 am on February 21, 2025 at Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 6100 North Lamar Blvd., Austin, TX 78752.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations towards women’s heart health through the Kappa Mu Arkansas Chapter of Alpha Phi Sorority, Red Dress Gala, (granddaughter) Kylie Reeves, Member, that can be sent to: https://alphaphifoundation.org/resources/toolkit/chapterdonations/

Or Donating a gift to the College of Pharmacy on behalf of Karen Reeves via an online system by clicking:

https://give.utexas.edu/?menu=OGPPHAGN&recog=memorial&recogname=Karen%20Reeves