Karen Sue Elderfield

Karen Sue Elderfield was born on July 31, 1959 in Vinita, OK, the daughter of Thomas Nigh and Billie (Shink) Walker. After High School, she went on to attended courses through Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College and Northeastern State University.

A woman of deep faith, Karen was actively involved in her church community, where she found joy in worship, fellowship, and serving others. Her faith guided her life and was evident in the kindness and compassion she extended to everyone she met.

Karen had a gifted and creative spirit. She was an avid quilter who lovingly stitched warmth and beauty into every piece she created. She also enjoyed sewing and took great pride in crafting handmade treasures for those she loved. In quieter moments, she immersed herself in researching her family history and genealogy, carefully preserving stories and connections for future generations.

Above all, Karen was a devoted and proud mother and grandmother. Her family was her greatest joy, and she cherished every opportunity to spend time with her children, grandchildren, extended family, and dear friends. Her home was a place of welcome, laughter, and unconditional love.

On February 3, 2026, Karen passed from this life at her home in Tahlequah at the age of 66 years old. She will be remembered for her gentle heart, steady faith, creative hands, and unwavering dedication to her family. She leaves behind a beautiful legacy woven through the lives of all who were blessed to know her.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Thomas Nigh and Billie Walker.

Those left to remember her included two sons, Tom Lemons and wife Sabrina of Pryor, OK and Dalton Lemons and wife Mikayla of Indianola IA and one daughter, Terri Grimes of Joplin, MO. She also leaves two brothers, Ronnie Nigh and wife Sheila of Vinita, OK and Steve Nigh. Her memory lives on through her cherished grandchildren, Kyla Grimes, Daelynn Lemons, Serenity Lemons, Logan Lemons, Kayla Hulvey with one the way, Gemma Lemons, nieces, nephews and many other friends and loved ones.