Karen, our beloved wife, mother and “Nana”, whose life was filled with love and devotion to her family and to her joy of singing for the Lord, died peacefully at home on May 4 in Ellicott City, Maryland, at the age of 76. Cause of death was complications associated with lung cancer.
Karen was born in Wichita, Kansas, to Calvin Schwartz and Pauline (Shidler) Shriver on December 29, 1943. Karen will be buried in Wichita with her father who was killed in WWII when Karen was one year old. She is survived by her loving husband of almost 55 years, Rodney Angle, her son Roderick Angle (wife-Crystal) and daughter, Stephanie (Angle) Kehres (husband-Jimmy), her grandchildren, Austin and Olivia Kehres and Maisie and Marlo Angle. She is also survived by her two brothers, (Harold and Totem) three sisters (Carol, Barbara and Kay) and her Aunt Phyllis. Her early life was filled with strong family ties and many adventures, including the start of her music career at 9 singing along with her uncle Raymond’s banjo at family events.
Karen attended Friends University and the University of Kansas where she received her BS in Social Work. She was Miss Kansas in 1963 and won the most talented classical singer in the Miss America Pageant. She married her life-long husband, Rodney Angle, on June 13, 1965 and shortly after they went to Panama as Peace C orps volunteers for two years. Upon returning Karen and Rod set out on their lifelong adventure full of love and joy.
Karen channeled her God given singing gifts through the church and touched many people throughout her life. Her rendition of “O Holy Night” would often bring congregation members to tears. Her voice was big and beautiful, but her heart was bigger. Karen’s love for family was immeasurable. From her amazing pumpkin chiffon pie, to reading books, to her infectious smile, and heart full of love, Karen made a lasting impression on her children and grandchildren. Karen felt so much pride for her family and was blessed by them and a blessing to them, beyond words.
She will be remembered for so many things, but especially that pie, her ability to bring a story to life, her voice, her love for her children and grandchildren and above all her love for God and Church. She can now sing for the Lord, her ultimate achievement.
Burial will take place on May 8th in Wichita, Kansas. A celebration of life will be held at a future date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made, in memory of Karen Angle to: https://glenmarumc.org/give/ choose Donate Today and memorials. Enter Karen Angle or Music Prog ram in the notes.
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