She was born on May 2, 1950, to Foster Dennis Martin, Jr. and Lucille Mary (Voelkel) Martin in El Campo, Texas. On December 23, 1987, she married Billy W. Kees.

Karen worked as a coach and teacher for many years for Fort Bend I. S. D.

She was a member of St. Roch Catholic Church.

Karen enjoyed playing tennis and loved coaching and teaching. She also loved being with her family, especially her grandchildren. She lived life to the fullest and never met a stranger. If you knew her, you loved her. She was the life of the party and had the kindest and most giving heart. She was the strongest person we knew and fought the good fight.

Karen is survived by her husband Billy W. Kees; mother Lucille Martin; daughter Emily Ludwig and husband Tom; stepdaughter Lauren Kees; son Eric Hughes; sisters Nancy Dean and husband Mike and Cathy Martin; grandchildren Lily Ludwig, Caleb Ludwig, Eric Hughes, Jr., and Kristian Hughes; and close friend Caran Galloway.

She was preceded in death by her father Foster Martin, Jr.

Visitation was on Friday, January 3, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Henneke Funeral Home in Columbus, Texas.

Funeral Service was held on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Roch Catholic Church in Mentz, Texas. Fr. James Dvorak officiated. Visitation at church was from 9:00 AM to 10:00 a.m.

Burial took place in St. Roch Catholic Cemetery in Mentz, Texas.

Pallbearers were Steve Kees, Gary Kees, Jack Kees, Eric Hughes, Eric Hughes, Jr., and David Funderburk.

Memorials may be given to Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, P.O. Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741.

Online condolences may be given at www.hennekefuneralhome. com.