Karen Ann Lyke

She will always be remembered as a loving wife, devoted mother, enthusiastic Granny, and affectionate and fun-seeking friend to all who knew and loved her.

Karen was born on August 20,1938 to Sylvia and Dr. Lyndon C. Shaftoe in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. She attended LaSalle High School in St. Ignace, Michigan where she enthusiastically participated in Student Council, volunteered for campus events, and played flute in marching band.

Karen had many fond memories of her childhood in Michigan where she formed and retained lifelong friends. She worked as a carhop on roller skates, in addition to working in the office for her father’s general physician practice. During the beautiful Midwest summers, she spent quality time with her friends at her family’s rustic cabin on Brevoort Lake.

In 1960, Karen graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in Dental Hygiene. After accepting a job as a dental hygienist in Laramie, Wyoming, she packed up her life into her new Ford Fairlane and drove south. Within days of arriving in her new town, she met the love of her life, James “Jim” Lyke, in a serendipitous encounter at a gas pump. After a year of coffee dates, dancing, and volunteering, Jim and Karen married on September 30,1961 in St. Ignace, Michigan. They enjoyed over 60 years of marriage and happiness together.

Karen had a fulfilling career as a dental hygienist and was a lifetime member of the American Dental Hygienist’s Association. Her husband’s career, working for the US Department of Labor, brought them to Washington, D.C. and, then later, to Dallas, Texas.

She welcomed her daughter, Monica, in 1963 and her son, Darin, in 1966. She is remembered as a loving and supportive mother who always encouraged her children’s involvement in school, sports, and recreational activities.

Settling in Irving, TX in 1971, she became a devoted parishioner of Holy Family of Nazareth Catholic Church and spent much of her time serving with the Knights of Columbus and the Women's Auxiliary groups. After moving to Arlington and retiring, she found new passions as a member of Curves Fitness Club and an avid mall walker/window shopper.

Karen is remembered for her celebratory spirit. She was infamous for her birthday serenade calls and always came to gatherings bearing gifts from those window-shopping sprees. She never shied from a spirited game of cards with family and friends and embraced many opportunities to travel with her husband throughout her life.

Karen is survived by her daughter, Monica and husband Kevin, of Houston; her son, Darin and wife Jennifer, of Mansfield; grandchildren, Mark Jones, Kara Mueller, Elizabeth McChesney John Jones, Ross Jones, Logan Lyke and Elizabeth Lyke; great-grandchildren Avery Mueller, Kelsey Mueller, Jodi Anne Mueller and James Jones.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jim Lyke; brother, Lyndon R. Shaftoe; mother, Sylvia; and father, Lyndon.

The Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 16, 2023 at Holy Family of Nazareth Catholic Church in Irving, Texas, with viewing 30 minutes before. Interment for family only will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to: Saint Joseph’s Children’s Home, PO Box 1117, Torrington, WY 82240-1117.