Karen Louise Peden

Karen Louise Peden, 71, of Amarillo, Texas, passed away on October 4, 2024. 

Karen was born in Amarillo, Texas, on October 26, 1952, to James and Mildred Bailey as the fifth of seven children. After graduating from Amarillo High School in 1971, she worked many years as a loyal and dependable administrative assistant at various companies, including Search Drilling, Pantera Energy, and Paige & Associates Contractors. She retired from working in 2007 to help care for her grandchildren. 

Karen put her whole heart into taking care of her home and family right alongside her husband, Gray Peden. She was a faithful wife, devoted mother, delightful sister to her siblings, an excellent cook, a gracious hostess, a meticulous housekeeper, and a doting grandmother. Nicknamed “Boo,” she was especially proud of her grandchildren and tenderly cared for them, never missing the opportunity to have lunch with them or to cheer them on at their many sporting events. Beyond her immediate family, she easily made friends and reached out to so many, expressing kindness and making all feel welcome and loved. Karen attended Sunday School at Hillside Christian Church, where she studied Scripture amongst friends for many years. 

Karen had a deep love for her Savior, Jesus Christ, and his wonderful Word. Oftentimes in conversations, she would drift into loving admiration and awe as she pondered the mysteries of heaven and the presence of God. Though she will be deeply missed here on earth, she is now free and at home in the presence of her heavenly Father.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, James and Mildred Bailey, her oldest brother, Gene Bailey, and her oldest sister, Mary Jo Flatt. 

Karen is survived by her husband, Gray Peden, her daughter Lisa Talley, wife of Kim Talley, her daughter Shannon Cornell, wife of Marc Cornell, and her three grandchildren, Sierra, Willow, and Canyon Cornell, all of Amarillo, Texas. She is also survived by her stepson Todd Peden, husband of Billie Peden, three step grandchildren, and six step great grandchildren, all of Claude, Texas. She is also survived by her brother, James Bailey, husband of Reba Bailey, of Amarillo, Texas, sisters Darlene Voss of Dallas, Texas, Ginger Parks of Decatur, Alabama, and Christine Hutsell of Spring Branch, Texas. Karen will be dearly missed by all, including her sweet little dog, Uggie.