Karen Louise Moates

Karen Louise Moates, 81, of Baton Rouge passed away on Friday, February 21, 2025. According to her wishes, there will be no service.

She is survived by her husband Francis, son Craig and his wife Bonnie, sister Ruth, niece Lura, and nephews Doug and David Bakehorn and their families. She was preceded by her parents Henry and Frances Brane.

Karen was born on an Indiana farm in 1943, and then moved to Indiantown, Florida when she was 15. Her father worked at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft in Palm Beach County until his retirement. She stayed in the area as well, from Ft. Pierce to Palm Beach Gardens, West Jupiter, and Hobe Sound. Later, she moved to Blairsville, Georgia and finally Baton Rouge.

Karen met her husband Francis on a blind date, followed by his deployment to Turkey. They bonded very quickly and corresponded regularly, and they were married soon after his return. Perfectly irreplaceable companions for one another, Karen and Francis were very close throughout their 60 year marriage. They were fully integrated with one another. Seldom was there more than a few degrees of separation between them.

Karen worked as a bank teller in early years, but moved into teaching children later in life. Having pursued advanced specialty degrees, she taught primary students with special learning disabilities with emphasis on reading and writing. She loved teaching the children. After her retirement, she continued to tutor special needs children for many years. Several of her former students contacted her later in life to tell her she was the reason they were able to overcome their challenges.

She developed many skills through life. Her hobbies and interests included cooking, sewing, wood carving, painting, stained glass, and fused glass. For the latter, she was quite prolific, selling her glass creations at 10-12 art shows per year over a decade while living in North Georgia. She always enjoyed talking about the processes, and sharing the excitement it gave her. She loved nature and animals, especially her many cats through the years. Her circle was small but tight, with only a few close friends and family.

Karen was loved and will be missed.

Donations to the Gideons and Hospice of Baton Rouge are welcome.