Karen Elaine Odem, 80, of Montgomery, TX, passed from this life and into eternal joy on March 18, 2025.  She was born on October 1, 1944, to Leo and Florence Rubenstein, in Seattle, Washington.  Karen graduated from Bellaire High School in Houston, in 1962.  After a few years studying at the University of Texas, she returned to Houston and married David Odem; their sweet union starting on February 26, 1966.  Throughout the rest of her life, she made it very clear that David was the love of her life.  They started with nothing and built a rich legacy of love.  Karen helped David grow a successful business in Houston, providing wisdom and support along the way.  Soon came Trisha and Kevin, who gave Karen earthly purpose.  She lavished them with maternal love, showering them with loving messages even until her last moments.  She regarded her six grandchildren as the "dividends on the principle," dutifully attending their functions and delighting in watching them grow up.  Though she did not physically meet her great-grand daughter, she already shared a loving bond with her and is undoubtedly looking down at her with a big smile.

As much as Karen loved her family, anyone that knows her knows her true love: Jesus.  She committed her life to the Lord in 1975, after being invited to a Bible Study Fellowship meeting.  She drank in Christ's love and was quickly a leader in her bible group, growing in her walk every day.  After a few years, she finally convinced David to attend a crusade where he accepted Jesus.  That was the start of a new and impactful partnership. Eventually, David became the pastor and Karen became the teacher. Together, they faithfully served the Lord for many years. She lived for sharing Christ's love, pouring hope into people.  She counseled, taught, and prayed, praising Jesus every step of the way for any success in sharing the Word. Though she never wanted any type of acknowledgement or limelight, she undoubtedly helped countless people grow closer to Jesus.

Karen is survived by her husband, David and children, Trisha (Daniel) Rey and Kevin (Andrea) Odem; her grandchildren, Juliana (Travis) Long, Ryan (Hannah) Rey, Carson Rey, Justin Odem, Austin Odem and Luke Odem and her newborn great granddaughter, Quinn Long.

We will all miss Karen.  Her joy was radiant and obvious to everyone she encountered. Her loss leaves a deep void, but we rest assured that she is complete and whole, full of joy and peace in the eternal presence of the Lord.