Karen Hughes, a devoted caregiver, proud mother, loving grandmother, and spirited lover of the western lifestyle, peacefully passed away while sleeping on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at her home in White Deer, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, humor, and fierce independence.
Born on August 19, 1956, in Pampa, Texas to Willie B. and Elouise Hughes, she attended school in Pampa before dedicating 45 years of her life to caring for others as a registered Certified Nurses Aid, working tirelessly in hospitals, nursing homes, and as a home health caregiver. Her unwavering compassion and servant’s heart touched the lives of countless patients and their families throughout her career.
Karen’s love for the western lifestyle was evident in all she did. Whether riding horses, cheering at rodeos, or collecting her beloved painted ponies, she embraced every aspect of the cowboy spirit. Her home, filled with horse figurines, spoke to her passion for livestock and all things equestrian. As a young woman, she delighted in country and western dancing, always drawn to the rhythms and culture of her world.
A lifelong football fan, Karen never missed a game, passionately supporting teams of all stripes—but her heart belonged to the Dallas Cowboys, her all-time favorite team. Fridays were sacred to her for beer and pizza, indulging in these simple joys before her early bedtime at 6 p.m., reflective of her motto, “early to bed, early to rise.” Ever quirky and opinionated, Karen had a unique way of making her views known, often turning them into her own unspoken law. Her signature sense of humor brought light and laughter to those who knew her. No better phrase rang true than, “Don’t be a Karen!”
She was greeted into eternity by her parents, Willie B. and Elouise Hughes, and her precious great-granddaughter, Avery Elouise Miller.
Karen’s love for family was unparalleled. She leaves to cherish her memory, a son, Cammie Woodward and his wife Amy of White Deer; her daughter, Shannon Hughes of Pampa; and her grandchildren, Syndey Miller and husband Jacob of White Deer, Nikki Hughes and partner Dylan Ariola of Amarillo, Ben Woodward, and Abby Woodward both of White Deer, all of whom held a special place in her heart. She adored her two great-grandchildren, Bayleigh and Cayden Miller, and found immense joy in being a beloved MiMi to them all. Karen was a steadfast presence in their lives, always cheering them on and celebrating their successes. Karen is also survived by her brother, Steve Hughes and his wife Debbie of Waskom, TX; her sisters, Becky Nelson and her husband Steve of Plano, TX, and Linda Salyer along with her partner Scott “Chief” Burris of Guthrie, OK, as well as numerous extended family members who will deeply miss her.
Karen will be available for viewing in the Winegeart Funeral Home Serenity Chapel on the following days: Friday, May 16th, from 1 to 8 p.m.; Saturday, May 17th, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Sunday, May 18th, from 1 to 8 p.m., with family receiving guests from 2 to 4 p.m.
A private celebration of her life will be hosted by her family. Cremation care has been entrusted to Winegeart Funeral Home.
Karen will forever be remembered for her vibrant spirit, her passion for the western lifestyle, her devotion to family, and the joy she brought to others. Her memory will be treasured in the hearts of all who knew her.
Please visit www.winegeartfuneral.com to share memories, words of love and comfort for the family on Karen’s Book of Memories.
