Karen Lee Leonard
1942 – 2020
Karen Lee (Moehlenhoff) Leonard, born 3/15/42, to Carl V and Verna Jean Moehlenhoff and wife of Joe C. Leonard died peacefully at home on 8/28/2020 after a long struggle with pulmonary problems. She graduated from Drury University and trained as a medical technologist at OUHSC. In 1963 she needed a date to a party and with pushing from her roommate, invited a stuck-up medical student she kept passing in the halls. Fortunately for him, it was curable and they were married in St. Louis on 12/28/64. She worked as a medical technologist at OU Hospital and Marion County Hospital, Indianapolis, while he finished his training. In 1968 she retired to become, as a daughter noted, a fantastic domestic engineer. They had four children. She served as the Girl Scout leader for all of her daughters, Den Mother for her son and was active in each of their schools. She led a life of caring and sharing, working in Edmond Meals on Wheels almost from its beginning. She volunteered at the Skyline Urban Ministry pantry for nearly 20 years where her accepting demeanor, inspirational thought for the day, and the introduction of client choice shopping to Oklahoma City benefitted many. She was an active member of First United Methodist Church, Edmond. She shared her home and her love with the five international students they hosted while they attended Memorial high school as well as numerous UCO international students through the community hosting program, a program she helped start. Following her husband’s’ retirement, they travelled extensively in the US, visiting all fifty states. They also visited their European exchange students and their families and on a 50th anniversary trip to SE Asia where she was treated like a queen while hosted by former student in Thailand. A favorite gathering was the monthly “sewing club” luncheon.
She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Joe, sister, Susan Topping, children, Lisa (Mike) Frits, Kimberly (Ernie) Limbo, Laura (Mike) Lirette and Jonathan (Hannah) Leonard, her adored grandchildren, William and Allison Frits, Henry and Anne Limbo and Gage and Victoria Leonard as well as friends, too numerous to count.
A memorial service will be held at some date in the future. Memorial gifts can be made to First United Methodist Church, Edmond, Skyline Urban Ministry, Edmond Mobil Meals or the charity of your choice.
This is a wonderful tribute to an amazing woman. Karen taught me to relax and let the little things go, to give more and ask less, and to always be there when others needed you. She was an inspiration to me ever since I met her over fifty years ago, and I will miss her, terribly.
Karen was such a fun and loyal friend whom we will miss especially when we can return to the sanctuary. She was caring, interesting, and full of fun. Glad she’s in Heaven and no longer having her breathing issues, but will always have a little twinge of sadness when she’s not sitting in her regular pew. Blessings to her family.
I’ve witnessed Karen’s ministry over the years, and my family was a beneficiary of her caring while my mom was living with Alzheimer’s. Karen offered to sit with mom so my dad could get out of the house and so he and I could attend a caregiver support group. She was a great example of caring and giving – we will miss her at FUMC.
Karen lived her life to the fullest, inspired those whose lives she touched, and had an insightful humor that still brings a smile to my heart. A more compassionate, caring person would be difficult to find. She will be missed by her community and family.
Joe, you and Karen have been so good to Kurt and me for so many years. We have always admired your concern for others, your integrity, your selflessness and the love you have extended to us and many others over the years. You and Karen were an item way back when we first came to OUSHC and it was fun to watch you be so devoted to each other all these years. Before Kurt died he said “We had a good run.” and that sustains me when I miss Kurt. I know you and Karen had a good run and I hope that is comforting to you. Natalie
I worked with Karen at the Clinical Chemistry Lab at then University Hospital (OUHSC) back in the 1960’s.
She was “no airs”, “down to earth”, easy to like. I have run into her and Joe over the years and enjoyed seeing her. I hope that knowing she is well and at peace will bring comfort to Joe and her family.
Karen brought life to any gathering of people! Her sly humor, her thoughtfulness, her generosity to everyone around her–she always made everyone feel good! The family in Dallas remembers her visits and we all mourn her loss. Every time we got to see her, we were ready to laugh together. As a true Oklahoman, she never met a stranger. She made all of us feel at home!
Karen & Joe have been good friends for many years. Their service to Skyline was an inspiration to us all.
We will always remember Karen’s thoughtfulness and caring kindness. We will always miss her.
Our thoughts and prayers continue for Joe.D