Karen Sue Watada, 58, of Little Rock, Arkansas, went to be with her Lord on January 4, 2026. She was born on September 1, 1967, in Little Rock, Arkansas.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Sue Pruett; her sister, Kathy Wake; her brother, Raymond McBride; her daughter, Rebecca Wells; and her best friend, Elizabeth Watson.
Karen is survived by her father, Tony Pruett of Little Rock, Arkansas; her son, Joseph Olmstead of Little Rock, Arkansas; her brother, Tony Pruett of Little Rock, Arkansas; her grandchildren, Kylie Yarberry (Jacob), Cole Brock (Trinity), Kollin Wells, Faylee Olmstead, and Wyatt Olmstead; and her three great-grandchildren, Braxton Yarberry, Carter Yarberry, and Brynley Brock. She is also survived by two nieces, three great-nieces, two great-nephews, and a host of relatives and friends who loved her dearly.
Karen was caring and loving, strong-willed, stubborn, and unapologetically herself. She lived her life like a gypsy—on her own terms, with no one telling her who to be. The fire within her was unmistakable and unforgettable, and it will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
A memorial service to celebrate Karen’s life will be held on January 17, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at Lifeline Baptist Church, located at 7601 Baseline Road, Little Rock, Arkansas 72209.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.
The family would like to thank everyone for the love, prayers, support, and kindness shown during this difficult time.
Arrangements by Arkansas Cremation, 10515 W Markham St, Suite B1, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205. If you would like to leave a message of condolence to the family, you may do so using the Guestbook section.
www.arkansascremation.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

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