Karen Louise Garvel, 77, of Inez, went to be with our Lord on December 29, 2023 after an aggressive fight with cancer. She was born August 26, 1946 in Columbus, Texas to Edwin Buxkamper and Elsie (Frnka) Buxkamper Swaney.
Karen worked many years in the meat department at Kroger in Victoria, Texas. Hard work was instilled in her, so she was not one to sit still. You often found her doing odd jobs for friends, like mowing or shredding. She later began taking care of people’s homes and occasionally their loved ones. Her many years as a housekeeper created many special & lasting friendships.
Karen cherished spending time with her family, and that is exactly what she was able to do on Christmas Day. She loved watching her grandsons play sports, making pickles, having family BBQs and drinking coffee. She never met a stranger and welcomed everyone into her home. If you knew Karen well, you knew her yard was her pride and joy. She worked hard at keeping it green and perfectly mowed at all times. It was very seldom anyone else touched her mower or mowed her lawn. Karen was known to sit in her driveway and greet all those who passed daily whether driving by or walking. Several called to check when they didn’t see her for a few days. She also loved putting together puzzles, and even got a couple of friends started on them. Many will miss her freshly shelled pecans each year. Something she had been doing for years and was very meticulous about.
Karen is survived by her three sons, Michael (Audra) Garvel of Victoria, Darrel (Rebekah) Garvel of East Bernard, and Kevin Garvel of Inez; her grandsons, Jackson Garvel and Justiss Garvel of East Bernard; sister, Mary Frances Pasteris of Georgia; brother-in-law, Ricky Martinez of Columbus; and several nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents, and sisters, Gladys Martinez and Theresa Williamson.
Visitation will be held on Friday, January 5, 2024 from 9-10 am, followed by a funeral service at 10 am all at Rosewood Funeral Chapel, 3304 E. Mockingbird Lane, Victoria, Texas 77904. A private graveside ceremony for family will follow in Columbus, Texas.
Memorial contributions may be made to the donor’s choice.
Thoughts and memories may be shared at www.rosewoodfuneralchapel.com.
