Karen was born in Oklahoma City, OK to Arlene and Oscar Schultz. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Samuel Schultz and husband of 39 years Bill Martinek, Sr. Karen is survived by her son Billy Martinek, Jr. and wife Marty; daughter Suzanne and husband Jimmy Hawkins; grandchildren Luke Hawkins, Jack Hawkins, Braden Long, Britton Long and Bailor Long; brother Stephen Schultz and wife Susan; and many other family members and friends.
Growing up in Watonga and Oklahoma City, Karen loved reading, as well as keeping up with the latest beauty trends. Her picture perfect hair and makeup was not always appreciated by her two younger brothers, but did catch the eye of an unexpected suitor, Bill. Though she thought him too wild, they would eventually fall in love over letters written while Bill was away for the Vietnam War. Their love thrived through raising two children, traveling the nation on memorable road trips and building memories with their tight-knit extended family.
Karen was a long-time member of Highland Hills Baptist Church and treasured the friendships and Sunday School class she was actively involved in for decades. A retired public school teacher, Karen felt called to teach in the OKC Public School system where she positively impacted countless lives during her more than 25 years in the classroom. While she retired from Coolidge Elementary, her love of children and passion for reading and tutoring led her to volunteer weekly at her neighborhood school Harvest Hills Elementary.
Karen enjoyed keeping in touch with her former teaching colleagues, as well as lifelong best friends Dianne and Nena. Whether catching the latest movie or meeting up for lunch, Karen stayed active and was grateful for her friends and support network. Family was also a cornerstone in her life, and she loved nothing more than being a wonderful wife and mother, beloved Grammy to her grandsons and favorite aunt to her nieces. No matter the cause, she was always the number one fan when it came to supporting her family — happily cheering through countless sporting events, band concerts and all of life’s milestones.
She loved autumn, baked sweets and never missed an occasion to express her love and thoughtfulness through a Hallmark card.
Services to celebrate her life will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, October 9 in the chapel of Buchanan Funeral Service.
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