Karen Dianne Odum

05/29/1952 - 02/14/2011

ODUM,
Karen Dianne
(Vaughn)

May 29, 1952 -
February 14, 2011

As a Valentine's gift to the heavens, a bright new star was added to shine down on all those that she loved and cherished. On February 14, 2011, Karen Odum entered into rest after bravely battling a short illness in Spokane, WA. Karen was born May 29, 1952 in Hemet, CA to Dewey and Connie Vaughn. While growing up, Karen lived in a variety of places that eventually led to her settling down in Washington State. It was here that she attended Cheney High School and graduated in 1970...the same year that she began dating her best friend and future husband, Phil Odum. On October 6, 1972, Phil and Karen were married and had two sons, Ben and Chris. Together, they raised their sons near the Cheney area on Chapman Lake. While living there, Karen lived in the splendor of nature that surrounded her family. It was the simple life that she enjoyed with many peaceful nights on the lake with her husband fishing and wilderness walks with her sons. Karen found happiness in the little things that life had to offer her. The sound of the frogs' chorus and the birds' songs that signaled spring's return, delighting in the antics of baby squirrels that grew up near her windowsill throughout the summer and the talk of the autumn turkeys in the fall. To her, these were nature's little gifts that she always cherished. Gardening was another joy that she shared with her husband. Together, they would spend time creating an Eden filled with pathways that were lined with beautiful flowers that she loved. Protecting her gardens were a multitude of beloved gnomes and angels who had each been given a name by her. Karen was a huge movie buff. Every night, we all knew that she could be found curled up on the couch watching a movie until the wee hours of dawn. For her birthday and Mother's Day every year, her sons would take her into the big city to watch a movie of her choice. Each time, she would get giddy over the idea of sneaking candy into the theatre to watch a movie and spend the afternoon with her boys. She was never much of a sport enthusiast. Oftentimes, she'd make us all chuckle as she would ask us what inning the Seahawks were in or if they had just scored a point. There was one sport that she did watch however, and that was basketball. To be more exact...the Gonzaga Bulldogs. Karen was a regular nut for the Zags! Even up to her last days, she would pump her little fists at the TV screen with enthusiasm as she cheered them on to victory. Karen had a personality that was hard not to adore. A very sweet person who had a twinkle in her eye and a giggle that could crack a smile out of the most hardened face. She was a very loving and devoted wife to her husband, never leaving his side whether it be thick or thin. She was a very influential and inspirational mother who helped mold her sons into the persons that they have become. As a wife and as a mother, she would have valiantly laid down her life to protect those that she loved. Even though Karen will be dearly missed, we know that she will always be there filling us with love as she watches over us and protects us. Preceding her in death were her parents: Dewey and Connie, stepmother Dorothy, one brother Gary, and her precious aunt Carol. Surviving her is her loving husband, Phil, of 38 years; two sons: Ben, 36, and Chris, 29; sisters Marcheta Worden and Debra Cooper; brother Ronald Vaughn; numerous nieces and nephews; and her young granddaughter Abigail Sporcic who she is now lovingly watching over. Per Karen's request, no formal ceremony will be held. Instead, she would like to ask everyone to hold their own personal service and remember her in each of their hearts.
"Don cry because it's over. Smile because it happened"...Dr. Suess.
CHENEY FUNERAL CHAPEL, CHENEY, WA.