Karla Sweeten Tracy

Karla Sweeten Tracy of Norman, Oklahoma, passed away on January 22, 2026, at the age of 78. She was born on March 30, 1947, in Ada, Oklahoma, her parents were James E. "Bud" Hamilton and Wanda Laverne Hamilton.

Karla was an accomplished business leader whose work in the energy industry reached across the globe. In a field traditionally dominated by men, she carved her own path with determination, intelligence, and grit. From her beginning, she built a life defined by hard work and vision, ultimately achieving everything she set her mind to accomplish. She was the owner and president of TAPS Manufacturing, Transformers and Phase Shifters, alongside her partners Don and Anita Owen. TAPS was formed as an Oklahoma based company specializing in electrical systems for electrical submersible pump applications. Under her leadership, the company designed and supplied transformer solutions that were deployed internationally in major energy and industrial projects around the world.

Karla was widely respected for her technical knowledge, strategic insight, and remarkable ability to deliver complex systems at scale. She earned the confidence and respect of engineers and operators alike and built strong partnerships with major companies including Schlumberger, Wood Group ESP, and Baker Hughes CENtrilift. Her work took her across continents, and she embraced the challenges and opportunities that came with operating on a global stage.

She was an active member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers and participated in senior technical circles devoted to artificial lift and ESP technology, a role she regarded with pride. At a time when few women owned companies in her industry, Karla established a reputation for rigor, authority, and unwavering determination. She proved that excellence speaks for itself and that perseverance can break barriers. Her legacy in business is one of strength, innovation, and leadership.

Beyond her professional achievements, Karla loved her family. She especially treasured her granddaughter Makenzie, who brought her so much joy. She found happiness in traveling, playing duplicate bridge, and listening to music by Leon Russell and Neil Young. Above all, she cherished time spent with her family. She instilled in them the values of independence, resilience, and wit, qualities she lived out every day. She would want to be remembered not only as a strong and accomplished business owner, but as a woman who deeply loved her family.

She is survived by her daughter, Trudy K. Tracy of Norman; her granddaughter Makenzie Sieber and her partner Alexander Mockett and their daughter Kairos Mockett of Tulsa; her niece Ashleigh Jones of Norman; her nephew Tyler Stacy of Cartagena, Colombia; several great nieces and one great nephew; and many extended family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Bud and Wanda Hamilton and her sisters, Vickie Gayle Hamilton Irwin and Jana Hamilton Stacy.

A memorial service to celebrate Karla's life will be held on Saturday, February 7, at 2:00 p.m. at Havenbrook Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Bruce Ingram officiating. Karla's strength, drive, and devotion to those she loved will continue to inspire all who knew her. In lieu of flowers the family asks donations be make in Karla's name to the Alzheimer's Association.