Karen Frances Griggs

Karen Frances (Kelso) Griggs, of Claremore, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 6, 2026, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, at the age of 78.

Karen was born on October 5, 1947, in Peoria, Illinois, to Francis Patrick "F.P." Kelso and Betty Jean Kelso. Because of her father's career with Exxon Oil, the family lived in several places throughout her childhood, giving Karen many treasured memories and lifelong experiences. She shared a close bond with her younger brother, Richard "Rick" Kelso.

One of Karen's favorite childhood homes was in Billings, Montana. She loved the deep white snow of winter and often shared stories of her father staying up all night to build an ice-skating rink for her and Rick. She also fondly remembered duck hunting with her father, sledding with her family, and crawling through tunnels carved into snowdrifts that had piled higher than the family's front door—an adventure she later laughed was probably much more dangerous than it seemed at the time. Karen spoke of her mother, describing her with one word: love. She also shared how her mother taught her about nature, art, and homemaking, including a fond memory where she drew paper dolls and made matching clothes for them.

Karen often credited her deep and abiding faith in the Lord to the quiet example of her grandmother, whose gentle spirit and faithful life spoke louder than words ever could. Her parents also faithfully modeled a life devoted to Christ, creating a strong spiritual foundation that Karen carried with her throughout her life.

As a young girl, Karen loved spending time with friends, attending church, reading, and listening to music. One of her favorite places was a cozy nook in her bedroom where she could open the window, read a good book, and enjoy the simple peace of the moment.

During high school, Karen's family moved to Oklahoma. There she attended Nathan Hale Highschool where she participated in multiple school events, and was a member of the Nathan Hale “Rangers” Pep Club and church groups. It was during this time that God would lead her to the love of her life.

During the summer of 1965, Karen was set up on a blind date with Ronnie Jack Griggs. The two quickly fell in love, and although her family later moved to Chicago, distance could not keep them apart. Karen returned to Oklahoma to attend Oklahoma State University as an art major while also earning her license as a beautician. She and Ron were married on August 26, 1967, beginning a beautiful marriage that would span almost six decades.

Early in their marriage, the couple lived in Texas while Ron served in the United States Air Force, where Stacie and Kim were born. They later moved to Stoutland, Missouri, where Ron worked as a fishery biologist. One of Ron's favorite stories from those years was Karen's remarkable ability to shoot bullfrogs with a .22 rifle in the dark using only a spotlight—a testament to her adventurous spirit and surprising accuracy.

Eventually, Karen and Ron returned to Oklahoma, planting permanent roots in Claremore, where their youngest daughter Kristen was born. As Ron built a successful career constructing homes, Karen devoted herself wholeheartedly to creating a warm and loving home for her family. Together they embraced a self-sufficient lifestyle, raising cattle, chickens, rabbits, and other animals while maintaining a large garden that provided vegetables for canning and preserving.

Karen was a gifted artist and homemaker. She found joy in painting, drawing, decorating with primitive antiques, writing, needlepoint, and creating beautiful things with her hands. She delighted in making homemade butter, preserving the harvest through canning, and filling her home with warmth, creativity, and hospitality.

She also faithfully served her community as a 4-H leader, Girl Scout and Brownie leader, member of the County Extension Homemakers group, participant in women's leadership groups, and, above all, as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Serving her family was her greatest joy, and she poured her heart into every season of life.

Karen is survived by her beloved husband, Ronnie Jack Griggs; her daughters and sons-in-law, Stacie and Dan Rumsey, Kim and Gordon Montgomery, and Kristen and Donnie Back; her grandchildren, Paige and Hunter Webster, Kaitlyn Rumsey and Hector Aldaba, Melanie and Jake White, Cassidy and Victor Arias, Lucas and Megan Rumsey, Reese and Jenna Rumsey, Emily and Tyler Kruis, Dawson Back, Noah Back, and Joshua Back; and her cherished great-grandchildren, Wyatt, Shane, Tripp, Archer, Linley, Sutton, and soon-to-arrive Iris Mae and Baby White.

She is also survived by her sisters- and brother-in-law, Bonnie and Terry Stimson, Kathy Griggs, and Terri Dabin, along with many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Francis Patrick "F.P." and Betty Jean Kelso; her brother, Richard "Rick" Kelso; her parents-in-law, Jack and Judy Griggs; her brother-in-law, Joe Griggs; and her grandparents, Eugene and Ida Whitehead and Clair and Mildred Kelso.

Karen's legacy is one of steadfast faith, unwavering love for her family, servant-hearted generosity, and a life beautifully lived. She leaves behind a family strengthened by her example and countless lives made richer by her kindness, creativity, and enduring devotion to the Lord.

A Celebration of Karen's Life will be held at Claremore Assembly of God Church on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., with Pastor Greg Scott officiating. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery.

Visitation will be held Friday, July 10, at MMS-Payne Funeral Home from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., with the family receiving friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.