Karen Elaine (Huggard) White

On June 6, 2026, the world lost a beloved light when Karen Elaine Huggard - White, 75, peacefully departed this life in Yukon, Oklahoma. Born on Thanksgiving Day in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Karen's journey began in the sunny shores of San Diego, California, where she was raised and blossomed into a vibrant young woman full of warmth, determination, and love for family. She graduated from Madison High School in 1968. Shortly after graduation, Karen married Rudy Loren Rutheford in September of 1968, and in March of 1969, they welcomed their only child, Tammy Renee, into the world. Following graduation, Karen pursued work training and began her career as a court reporter, a profession that reflected her intelligence, work ethic, and attention to detail. In 1976, Karen moved from Oregon back to Oklahoma, where life opened a new chapter filled with entrepreneurship, family, and community connections.
In 1981, Karen married her second husband Lew E. White, and together they embarked on a successful entrepreneurial journey. They opened a booth at the beloved indoor flea market, "The Old Paris," where they built a thriving wholesale business serving the community for more than 20 years. Their booth "The White Trader", became a local treasure trove filled with home décor, billiards supplies, darts, bicycles, skateboards, tools, jewelry, watches, and countless discounted treasures that kept customers returning again and again.
During those years, Karen and her family also became familiar faces at the Oklahoma State Fair, where they proudly operated a booth inside the Kitchens of America building for several years. Located right near the front entrance, their booth featured billiards supplies, skateboards, darts, and many of the popular treasures customers had come to expect from them throughout the years. But for Karen, this was never simply a business, it became a family-centered way of life. The flea market and fair booths brought together children, siblings, nieces, nephews, and eventually grandchildren, all working side by side throughout the weekends while serving the community they loved. Many cherished memories were made within those busy aisles and booths, filled with laughter, storytelling, hard work, and togetherness. The grandchildren were practically raised in this environment, learning the value of family, connection, and community through the example Karen helped create. Karen loved connecting with people and took great pride not only in the treasures she offered, but in the relationships and memories built along the way. In 2001, Karen returned to Yukon and later opened her own Oklahoma City business, "Billiards Plus," where she continued serving the community with billiards and dart supplies, household treasures, and the same welcoming spirit that made her businesses so memorable throughout the years.
Karen had an undeniable love for cats and kittens, always finding joy and comfort in their companionship. She also deeply cherished family time, especially the evenings spent gathered around the table sharing meals, laughter, card games, and friendly competition. Family game nights became treasured traditions filled with giggles, playful accusations of cheating between Karen and her beloved son-in-love Scott, and memories her family will forever hold close to their hearts.
Karen leaves behind a loving family who will forever cherish her memory, including her only daughter, Rev. Dr. Tammy Ward, and husband Rev. Scott Ward; grandsons Skyler Ward and Tristan Ward; great-grandchildren Samuel, Madelynn, and Hope Ward; sister Peggy Sours; multiple nieces and nephews; and her two stepsons, Brian White of Frisco, Texas, and Charles White of Meeker, Oklahoma. Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Harold E. and Oma M. Huggard - Gustavson; her stepfather, Roy "Gus" Gustavson; and her brothers Harold E. Huggard Jr., Hunter W. Huggard, and Kenneth E. Huggard.
A public visitation and viewing will be held on Thursday, June 18, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, offering friends and family the opportunity to pay their respects. Family and friends will gather at Ingram, Smith & Turner Mortuary on Friday, June 19, 2026, at 2:00 PM for a Funeral Service honoring Karen's life and reflecting on the love and light she radiated to all who knew her.
Following the service, Karen will be laid to rest at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens at 4:00 PM, honoring not only her life, but the indelible mark she leaves behind on those who loved her most. In celebrating Karen's vibrant life, we invite all who knew her to share stories, laughter, and love as we remember a remarkable woman who truly made the world a brighter place.

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