Funeral: 10 a.m. Saturday at Aledo Church of Christ. Burial: in the family cemetery in Midway. Visitation: 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Galbreaith-Pickard Funeral Chapel.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, donations are being accepted to a scholarship fund in Karens name. For more information, contact Brother Ron Johns of Oak Ridge Church of Christ, 817-441-1875.

Karen Parten Villarreal, "57 going on 28," passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family, following a protracted struggle with uterine cancer that began in November 2004.

Karen was a Houston native but had lived in the Fort Worth area since 1975. She was an active member of the Church of Christ, a popular Latin teacher at Aledo High School and a beloved mother, wife, sister, aunt and friend. She had a strong impact on countless people over the course of her life and will be remembered for her kindness, her determination and her laughter.

Survivors: Husband, Carlos; her children, Claire, Sol and Rebecca; her identical twin sister, Sharon and husband Mark, and their children Anya and Hol; her brother, Paul and wife Ginny and their children, Davis, Tal and Mattie; and a multitude of brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, cousins, nieces and nephews.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Star-Telegram from Mar. 22 to Mar. 23, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Karen Villarreal

13 Entries

Laurel Yates

March 29, 2007

I will always think of you and Carlos as "The Walkers"... always a friendly wave and a smile as you walked the neighborhood. I am so sorry and shocked to find this out today. I will miss you, but look forward to seeing you in Heaven. God rest your soul and bless and comfort Carlos and all your family.

Kelly Harrod-Lui

March 25, 2007

I can't help but think of Mrs. Villarreal and her Latin class every time I see gummi worms or hear the song "Barbara Ann." Aside from being a creative and inspiring teacher, Mrs. Villarreal was one of the kindest people I've ever known; she had a special gift for making everyone around her feel good about themselves. She will be missed.

Kenneth Wright

March 25, 2007

I had known Karen for a number of years from various Latin teacher connections. She was a dedicated and energetic teacher and a wonderful, generous person. Every time we were at a conference together she brought a plethora of materials (including the famous Latin endings CD!)for everyone. She always went above and beyond the call of duty and enjoyed giving and sharing with others. I was lucky to have known her; her family will certainly be very much in my thoughts and prayers. Ken Wright, Paschal High School

Renee Neatherlin Morgan

March 23, 2007

Carlos & family,
I am so saddened to hear of Karen's passing. It has been so many years since seeing you, but my heart is truly sad for you and your family. It is never easy to say goodbye to a loved one. I will keep you all in my prayers and ask that God hold you all in His wonderful hands. In Him,

Debra Norman

March 22, 2007

Such a bittersweet goodbye...I sympathize and rejoice with all that were touched by Karen. You didn't just know Karen, she truly was the role model that any Christian would aspire to be. Karen, say hello to Sue for me.
My love and prayers, Debra Norman

Jim & Priscilla Terry

March 22, 2007

Carlos, Claire, and Sol,
I rejoice that your beloved is with Jesus, but I also know how it is to say goodbye. Jim and I send our deepest sympathy and hold you up in prayer in the days to come.
It was my supreme blessing to teach at Aledo HS with Karen.

Julia Robinson

March 22, 2007

Karen's soft, sweet spirit will be special to me forever. Kind, gentle, selfless, quick to laugh, quicker to share with others. One summer she came to the writing workshop, not because she had to but because she was always on a quest to know and learn more. On the last day of class she brought everyone sprigs of lavender tied with ribbon. I'll never forget her, and I'll look forward to seeing her in glory. Good-bye for now, Karen, and blessings on your family.

Erin Tovar

March 22, 2007

What a beautiful person we've lost here on earth but Heaven's gain for certain. I'll always remember the time I was telling Karen about a friend who was going through a tough time. She then asked the friend's name and wrote it down so she could enter it into her prayer journal when she got home. Her sincerity, wisdom, humility and gentle ways were an inspiration to many, I'm sure. I hope her family finds some peace and comfort in the fond memories shared in the coming days.

Murielle Wright

March 22, 2007

Mrd. Villarreal was a great friend to so many and was highly regarded for her teaching ethics. SHe was a good friend and always smiled, and was always willing to share her knowledge with others without distinction. Karen, you will be greatly missed and your faith, strenght and courage was one to be admired and emulated by many. May the Lord give your loved ones the faith, strenght and hope you shared with so many and may He bless one and all who will greatly miss you.

Jared King

March 22, 2007

Ms. Villarreal impacted my life more than anyone will ever know. Not only did she tirelessly dedicate herself to helping me understand latin, but she also begged and pleaded with me to make correct and honorable life choices--despite my youthful, stubborn oposition. And in the end, all of her efforts on my behalf have truly made me a better person. I am grateful for all of her love, patience, and support, and I know that the Lord has a special place prepared for her.

Ellen Warthoe

March 22, 2007

Ridglea Branch Library has lost a good friend and patron--we always felt it was a positive day when Karen visited us with her soft voice and laugh. I still tell the story about her buying a reel-to reel film projector and borrowing 16mm movies from the library to provide summer entertainment for her kids and neighbors...this is classic Karen...educational plus fun! We'll miss her.

Barbara McElroy

March 22, 2007

I will miss Karen's smile and the way she cared about everyone she knew. She never failed to ask about my family. No matter how she was feeling she always wanted to know that everyone was okay.
I will miss her!!

Alex Hughes

March 22, 2007

Karen and I always had big smiles for each other and shared many happy moments.

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