Karen Lyle's Obituary
Karen Sue Lyle was born August 15, 1963, in Akron, Ohio, to Charles Roy Arterbury and Jeanne Yvonne (Porter) Arterbury.
She spent much of her childhood in Texarkana, where she graduated from high school. During her school years, Karen was active in the band, where she enjoyed playing the drums. Following graduation, she attended Texarkana Community College.
While working at a local gas station, Karen met Danny Ray Lyle, who worked as a bread cart vendor. Their meeting led to a lifelong partnership, and together they built a life centered around family and faith. From their union came three children: Karen Danielle Lyle, Danny Ray Lyle Jr., and Derick Wesley Lyle.
Karen and Danny spent their early years raising their family in Booneville, Arkansas. In 1994, they were ordained as ministers and served together in ministry. Karen devoted herself to her children as a stay-at-home mother, providing a loving and nurturing home. As her children grew older, she extended that same care to others by operating an in-home daycare and serving as an emergency foster parent for young children in need of immediate care.
The family later moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma, where Karen and Danny served together as pastors of Living Waters Church of God in Catoosa. Her faith was an important part of her life and a guiding force in how she cared for others.
A few years later, Karen returned to Texarkana with her children to help care for both of her parents during their illness. During this time, she worked as a correctional officer, demonstrating her strength, dedication, and compassion. As a single mother, she worked tirelessly to provide for her family. Even after a back injury forced her to leave her position, she remained determined to support her children, taking on various jobs including factory and retail work.
In later years, Karen lived in Hot Springs, Arkansas, before returning to the Tulsa area in 2023 with her son Derick following a career opportunity, where he could also help ensure she received the care she needed.
Karen loved her children deeply-she often said they were her greatest joy and her favorite "hobby." She had a caring, motherly spirit and never met a stranger. She enjoyed listening to classic rock and "Ladies from the '80s", as well as art and puzzles. She was known for her bright, colorful style, often wearing tie-dyed clothing with messages such as "Be Kind" and "Free Mom Hugs," reflecting the warmth and kindness she shared so freely. To Karen, there was no distinction between family by blood and family by love-everyone she welcomed into her life became family. She was someone who showed up for others no matter the circumstance.
She is survived by her children, Danielle Lyle and Sheila Gijsens, Danny Ray Lyle Jr and Amanda Swann, Catherine Arias, Derick Lyle and AshLee Fulks, Amanda and Dewayne Baker, Rebecca Gutierrez, Stephanie and Brittany Philio, Angela and Matthew Thornton; grandchildren, Hollin Lyle, Maycie Lyle, Angelina Arias, Jonathan Arias, Nova Swindell, Charles and Elizabeth Webb, Christopher and Angelyn Webb, Pax Baker, Silas Baker, Grace Baker, Kaden Baker, Peyton Horan, Taylor Horan, Charlie Jo Bowles, Chloe Lyle, Cooper Lyle, Conner Gutierrez, Breanna Canada, and Paige Thornton; great-grandchildren, Liberty Webb, Justice Webb, Charlet Webb, and Estella Webb, Dewey Webb, Emily Webb; and siblings, Deborah Mobley, Laura Carty, and Ricky Arterbury.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Jeanne Arterbury; her brother, Roy Arterbury; and her son, Jason Lyle.
Karen will be remembered for her unwavering love for her family, her servant's heart, and the compassion she showed to all who knew her.
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