Grayson County TXGenWeb

Karen Jane Tilley, 77, of Gordonville, Texas passed away peacefully on October 28, 2017, after a 5-year courageous battle with Alzheimer's.
Karen was born in Maple, Wisconsin on February 24, 1940, daughter of Elvi and Onnie Hietala and was the youngest of 3 children. Karen graduated from Central High School in Superior, Wisconsin. Karen and her family moved to Florida when she was a young adult and she pursued a career as a certified X-Ray technician and worked in medical offices in Florida in the 1950s and 1960s.
Karen met Van Tilley of Denton, Texas in Florida. They had met previously at a party in Minneapolis but met a second time in Florida. It was destiny - true love - what were the odds! They were married on February 23, 1963 in South Carolina. Van was in the Army and had 3 days of leave. They drove from Florida to South Carolina to get married because unlike Florida, South Carolina had no blood test requirement for a marriage license. No blood test requirement meant that they could be married immediately and make the most of the 3-day leave and have their wedding and honeymoon too. They married, were blessed with 2 sons and eventually made Ft. Worth, Texas their home. After they both retired from their careers, Karen and Van had their retirement home built in Gordonville, where they lived together beginning in 1995.
Karen was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She loved music, playing the accordion, gardening and getting together with family and friends.
Karen is survived by her husband of 54 years; 2 son, Jaret (Katie) of Ft. Worth and Glenn of Sherman; grandsons, Eric (Tuscaloosa) and Rolf (Phoenix); brother, Glenn of Little Falls, Minnesota; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; grandparents; and brother, Gerald.
Graveside services were held Wednesday morning, November 1, 2017 at the Pavilion at Oakwood Cemetery in Whitesboro with Rev. Doyle Henderson officiating. Services were under the direction of Meador Funeral Home of Whitesboro.