Karen Lynn Gale
1939-2016
Karen Lynn Gale was born Karen Lynn McCracken on August 2, 1939, in Muskegon, Michigan. Karen was born to Robert J. McCracken and Ingrid Magdalena (Johnson) McCracken. She went home to be with her Lord and Savior on May 21, 2016. Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Bob and Ingrid, and her son, Kevin Richard Gale. She is survived by her husband of 57 1⁄2 years, Richard L. Gale; daughters Kelly Anne Homan, Kristin Lee Parsons and fiancé Jeff Sawinski, Kimberly Gale Sullivan and husband Micky Sullivan; grandchildren Mary Kathleen Homan, Travis Tyler Parsons and wife Megan Parsons, John Michael Homan and wife Sarah Homan, Anna Eileen Homan, and Lily Adele Sullivan; brother Terry McCracken and wife Karen McCracken; and brother-in-law Charles R. Gale, as well many more loving family members who reside in Norway and many beloved friends.
Karen was a beloved and gifted teacher for most of her life, specializing in reading, linguistics, and tutoring children with special needs. She dedicated herself passionately to Whiz Kids. Whiz Kids is a non-profit program that pairs volunteer tutors and mentors with at- risk students in Oklahoma City who read below grade level for weekly tutoring sessions at sites hosted by local inner-city churches. Karen was instrumental in helping to coordinate the Whiz Kids program at her church for over 20 years and she was deeply dedicated to it. She was singlehandedly responsible for teaching hundreds of children to read and succeed academically. Children were truly the center of Karen’s extremely loving and giving heart.
Karen’s faith was foundational in her life. She shared her love of Christ in her daily life and demonstrated her faith with grace, love, and strength. Always positive and optimistic she lived in love, kindness, and compassion. She was defined by her selflessness, love of family, strength of heart, and great care for others. Karen’s legacy of sharing love lives on in the family and friends she leaves behind.
Karen had the patience of Job. She was a best friend and confidante for many years. We miss her greatly and feel she left us too soon, but we treasure our lives with her and know that she is with us and loving us always. Her impact shaped each of our lives significantly and will continue to do so. We greatly rejoice in the abundance of memories of the life and the love we were so blessed to have shared with her.
Donations in Karen Gale’s name can be made to Whiz Kids at https://whizkidsok.org.