Karen Elizabeth Goodell

1948 - 2025

Karen Elizabeth Goodell

November 22, 1948 - August 14, 2025

Fort Worth, Texas - Karen Elizabeth Goodell, 76, of Fort Worth, Texas, passed away peacefully on August 14, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Phoenix, Arizona, on November 22, 1948, to Vaun Arden Wood, Jr. and Zita Kavanagh Wood, Karen was raised in Phoenix and later in Tucson, where she attended St. Joseph's Academy, Villa Carondelet before graduating from the University of Arizona.

Karen had a love of fashion, so following college she returned to Phoenix, where she worked for Saks Fifth Avenue. It was there she met her husband of 52 years, John Stanley Goodell. The two were married on January 13, 1973, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Phoenix and went on to have three daughters, who Karen always fondly referred to as "the girls."

Karen had a generous spirit, a radiant smile, and a gift for making others feel welcome and loved. Karen enjoyed attending church, traveling, volunteering in her community, and had a love for animals. She held a special place in her heart for military veterans, honoring the service of her father, a sergeant in the renowned Arizona Bushmasters, U.S. Army 158th Infantry Regiment, during World War II. A woman of steadfast faith, Karen's proudest accomplishment was instilling in her daughters a love of the Lord.

Karen's greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her devoted husband, John; her daughters Jana Stidman (Mike), Farrah Jennings (Jamie), and Megan Conrad (Kirk); and her cherished grandchildren Nora Jennings, Madelyn Jennings, Gus Jennings, Kennedy Conrad and Mackenzee Conrad. She is also survived by her sisters, Carol Hudock (Ray) and Corrinne Rouse; her sister-in-law, Linda Smothers (Vic); her nieces and nephew; and her beloved rescue dogs, Chloe and Ally. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother-in-law, Thomas William Rouse.

Karen was a bright light who loved to laugh and brought joy to all she met. She will be remembered for her warmth, her compassion, and her unwavering devotion to her family and faith. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

The family will honor Karen's life at a private gathering. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in her honor to Saving Hope Rescue, the organization from which Karen adopted her beloved and faithful companion, Chloe, at https://www.savinghoperescue.org/donate.