Karen Denise Hughes

Karen Denise Hughes passed away at the age of 60 on May 25th 2020 in Tulsa, Oklahoma surrounded by her family and loved ones. Karen lived in Tyler, Texas with her husband of 11 years, Richard Allen Hughes.



Karen was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma to her parents Rexiene Leedy and Thomas Patrick McKenna. Rexiene raised Karen to be the strong and independent woman that she was. Karen had three close siblings; Thomas McKenna, Terry Mckenna, Julie McKenna, and an amazing sister-in-law, Victoria McKenna. Karen grew up in Tulsa, and attended OSU where she studied Recreational Planning and Physical Training. In the late 1970's Karen moved to Red River, New Mexico where she met and married musician Michael Hearne. Michael and Karen had two children; Sarah Naftis (maiden name Hearne) and Travis Hearne. Michael and Karen moved to Taos, New Mexico in the early 1980's where their children grew up. She loved being outdoors with her family, dancing to country music, and playing with the pets that she surrounded herself with. Karen worked as a personal trainer, physical therapist, and aerobics instructor at several health clubs around Taos. While in Taos, she met and made so many amazing friends. Michael and Karen lovingly divorced in 2001, but remained great friends throughout Karen’s life. Karen then met her husband Rick Hughes and they were married in Las Vegas in 2009. Karen and Rick spent the rest of her days traveling to exotic vacation spots with dear friends, collecting pets, and loving every minute they spent together. Karen, Rick, and Michael were blessed with four incredible grandsons - Braden, Michael, Brice, Mathew and her only granddaughter Bella. Karen loved spending time with her grandchildren and showered them with gifts whenever she could. Karen was also blessed with daughter in-law, Traci Hearne, step-daughter Bridget Hughes and son-in-law Matthew Naftis, and loved them as if they were her own. Karen will always be remembered for her amazing spirit and her strength. She loved fiercely and compassionately, and would do anything for anyone she knew.



Karen is preceded in death by her father, Thomas Patrick McKenna. She is survived by her husband Rick Hughes, mother Rexiene Leedy, brothers Thomas and Terry, and sister Julie Mckenna, son Travis Hearne, daughter Sarah Naftis, and her five grandchildren.



Karen will be celebrated this summer or fall in one of her favorite places, Taos, NM. In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Great Pyrenees Rescue of Oklahoma. http://www.wix.com/gprofok/gpr