Karen Ruth Butler-Hawkins
April 04, 1941 - March 15, 2012
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Karen Ruth Butler-Hawkins
April 04, 1941 - March 15, 2012
Obituary
Karen Ruth (Thompson) Butler-Hawkins passed from this life into the arms of the Lord on March 15, 2012 after fighting a courageous battle against cancer. She was born on April 4, 1941 to Eldon C. and Rosalie Thompson. She was raised in Muskogee, Oklahoma and graduated from Muskogee High Class of 59. She attended Hillcrest School of Nursing and graduated August 1962. She began her nursing career at Hillcrest. On December 21, 1963 she married Charles L. Butler. She and Charlie founded Butler’s Chapel of the Roses in 1966. She continued to work at Hillcrest through the 60s and 70s where she rose to become Head Nurse of the Recovery Room. In 1976 she and Charlie started Goodtime Charlie’s Conglomeration, a unique restaurant in Tulsa. By 1980 Karen and Charlie decided to move their family to Rogers, Arkansas. While in Arkansas Karen used her nursing skills to obtain work in several different settings. She was a claims supervisor for a health insurance company and an Occupational Health Nurse at the Little Debbie factory in Gentry, Arkansas. Her children loved this job the most because there was always Little Debbies at the house. In 1988, she and Charlie made their way back to Tulsa where she worked in Occupational Health at McDonnell-Douglas, Home Health for Hillcrest and finally as a wound care management nurse at Oklahoma State University Med Center. After a near 50 year career providing care and love to her patients she retired in April 2011. Mom was preceded in death by her parents and husband Charlie. Karen again found joy when she remarried James E. Hawkins of Wilburton on February 14, 2008. During the last five years of her life she divided her time between Tulsa and Wilburton building her dream home on a peaceful, secluded piece of land in the foothills of the Sanbois Mountains. She is survived by her husband James, her children and spouses Chera Hereford (Jim), Charles L. Butler III (Corie), Chad Butler (Paula), Charles R. Butler (Veronica) Sharon Segerblom (Tick), Steve Moon (Rachel) and seventeen grandchildren. She also leaves behind five brothers: Dr. Patrick Thompson, Michael J. Thompson, Dr. Eldon C. “Tommy” Thompson, Daniel M. Thompson, Marty Thompson and a great host of nieces, nephews and friends. She loved life, gardening, cooking and being surrounded by family. Whenever we feel the wind in our hair or the warmth of the sun on our faces, we will feel her presence and know we are loved. Condolences may be sent through the guestbook on this page.
Funeral Service
- Date & Time: March 19, 2012 (11:00 AM)
- Venue: Butler-Stumpff & Dyer Funeral Home & Crematory
- Location: 2103 E 3rd St Tulsa, OK 74104 - (Get Directions)
Visitation
- Date & Time: March 18, 2012 (12:00 PM - 6:00 PM)
- Venue: Butler-Stumpff & Dyer Funeral Home & Crematory
- Location: 2103 E 3rd St Tulsa, OK 74104 - (Get Directions)
Visitation
- Date & Time: March 18, 2012 (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM)
- Venue: Butler-Stumpff & Dyer Funeral Home & Crematory
- Location: 2103 E 3rd St Tulsa, OK 74104 - (Get Directions)
Visitation
- Date & Time: March 17, 2012 (11:00 AM - 8:00 PM)
- Venue: Butler-Stumpff & Dyer Funeral Home & Crematory
- Location: 2103 E 3rd St Tulsa, OK 74104 - (Get Directions)
29 responses to Karen Ruth Butler-Hawkins
Barbara Mcalister says:
March 24, 2012
a great lady..a high school friend. may she rest in peace. condolences to her family . barb. mcalister class 59
Jackie Glass says:
March 27, 2012
I'm so sorry to hear about Karen's illness and passing. I worked with her and she taught me so much as a wound nurse. She was patient,knowledgeable and a sweet lady. I sure will miss her light on this earth!
Marilynn Morgan Wilson says:
April 14, 2012
I apologize for this being somewhat late as I just found the web page today,4/14. It is still with our prayers for dear Karen's family. Katen and I went to Muskogee Central together. About 2 years ago we reconnected thru Bruce Browne. I remember always her sweet spirit. I was born 4/4/40, so we had the same b-day. I have never met any of her children, not Charlie or James, but in our last phone conversation we shared so much about our lives over the past 50+ years! Her faith was so strong, and I know she is now at peace with our Hope, our Savior, Christ Jesus. Sam & I pray you sense the loving presence of our Lord today… keeping you close to His heart, assuring you of His tender care & covering you with His grace thru the coming days. "Grace, mercy & peace from God our Father & Jesus Christ our Lord." 1 Tim. 1:2 Our Prayers, Sam & Marilynn Wilson
J.K. Wilson-Synar says:
March 18, 2014
Late Entry: just found the guestbook, today. Whenever I visit with Chera about her mom, the first and primary characteristic that comes to mind is: EVERYONE loved and respected Karen; boys, girls, nurses, doctors, friends, teachers. She had the most beautiful personality with smile and Soul to match. In Jr. High and Sr. High she was without a doubt the most popular girl on campus AND no one was jealous of her. That was just amazing. In our adult lives, she & Charlie were our dear friends; our daughters (Chera and Remy) grew up together and remain very close, to this day. Having Chera near is like having Karen still among us, in many ways and especially with that perfect SMILE. Chera, you are a remarkable example of your mother's Legacy; always remember her character and the thousands of people whose lives were improved by the quality of care and love she gave unconditionally.