Karren Ladel Edwards

Karren was a proud and devoted mom, grandmother, great grandmother, and quite possibly the biggest sports fan anyone ever met.

Born in Amarillo, Texas, to Delbert and LaVerne Priest, Karren spent her early childhood living in West Texas with her parents and younger sister Deleana.

Karren’s love for learning led her to graduate as Salutatorian from Lefors High School in West Texas, which is where she met the father of her children, who taught English at her high school.

Karren held a deep, lifelong commitment to fairness and justice. She was an unwavering Democrat and believed fiercely in equality and stood up for the rights and dignity of everyone. She leaves behind a legacy of compassion and advocacy that she hopes her family will always carry forward.

Karren’s life was devoted to her family. To her grandkids and great-grandkids, she was affectionately known as “Grandma Kook.” Her love of education lives on through her daughter who she supported to become a passionate educator. Dedria inherited her mom’s genuine compassion and authentic soul. Karren became her son’s biggest cheerleader when he played just about every high school sport and baseball at Texas Tech.

Karren was the ultimate cheerleader for her family, and her true passion was supporting the people she loved. That’s why her sports loyalties were beautifully defined by her family. She would root for the Kansas City Chiefs because her daughter lived in Kansas. And while she never lived in Colorado herself, she became a long-time, massive fan of the Denver Broncos and the Denver Nuggets because her son lived there. If her kids were fans of a team, Karren was instantly their number one supporter.

Karren’s legacy of love lives on through her family. She is survived by her son Stephen (Laurie) Spalding, daughter Dedria (Curtis) Crain, sister Deleana (Mike) Linney, grandson Brett (Annika) Spalding, grandson Craig (Ben) Spalding, grandson Scott (Kelsey) Spalding, grandson Wade (Kristy) Crain, granddaughter Amy (Brian) White.

Karren was also a devoted dog mom to Sneezy, her beloved and spoiled 12 year old Maltese, and a proud great grandmother to Olivia Spalding, Vincent Spalding, Stellan Spalding, Wesley Spalding, Kaden Crain, Kinley O’Leary, Riley White, Kyndal Crain, Macy White, Connor White.

Karren will also be missed by her sister Deleana’s kids: nephews Michael and Brandon Linney, and niece Marcella Linney.

Karren is preceded in death by her husband Laverne Edwards, her first husband Warren Spalding, her father Delbert Priest, and mother LaVerne Priest.

Karren’s family will host a Celebration of Life on Wednesday, October 14, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at Resthaven Mortuary (11800 West Highway 54) in Wichita, to remember her exactly as she was: full of life, love, laughter, and devotion to her family. It will be a time to share stories and celebrate an incredible woman and life.