Sheffy

Karen Sheffy, 81 of Amarillo and formerly of Dimmitt, passed away on Friday, Dec. 25, 2020 in Amarillo. Celebration of Life Service will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 30, at 10:30 a.m. at Pinnacle Community Church, 7305 S. Coulter St., Amarillo, Texas 79119 with Dr. Kurt Oheim officiating.

Karen Sheffy lived a long life serving God, family and community and joined God in the eternal kingdom on Christmas Day 2020.

Karen was born in Olton, Texas Aug. 19, 1939 to Elmo and Pauline (Schaefer) Bell. They moved to Lubbock, Texas for early school years and in junior high, moved to Dimmitt, Texas. She graduated from Dimmitt High School. For college, she attended West Texas State University and graduated with a BA. She married Don Sheffy Aug. 21, 1960. They lived in Canyon, Texas. They were married 45 years.

Following college, Karen worked for an attorney as the Administrative Assistant. Once children came onto the scene, she became a homemaker to her three children. Don and Karen bought an old two-story home. It was a dream come true. The home was like part of the family. The couple worked many years remodeling and updating the home. In addition, Karen worked hours in the garden planting beautiful flower gardens and fruit trees. She had a real knack for gardening. The family also farmed and ranched part time.

Later, the couple decided to move to Dimmitt and open Sheffy’s Western and Casual Wear. The family ran the store for many years. After they sold the store, mom worked again for an attorney an administrative assistant and later worked at First State Bank as a teller and administrative services.

Following the death of her husband and into retirement, she moved to Amarillo to be closer to her daughter and family there. She looked forward to retirement so she could spend more time with her grandkids.

Karen’s priority in life was to be a faithful witness to Christ. Much time was spent in personal and group Bible study. She very much enjoyed teaching the Bible. Throughout her adult life, her faith grew and she loved serving the church and people in the community. Karen was a Lay Preacher, Stephen Minister, A Walk to Emmaus Leader, served on many church committees, and visited and called on many people. She was a friend to many.

Her faithful love was a witness to her family and influenced them beyond measure. Praying for her children was a daily ritual. She was a very good listener, supporter, teacher and friend to them as adults. A smile and laughter were often present. Spending time with her three daughters in their homes or hers was very important to her.

When grandchildren finally arrived, she couldn’t have been more excited. Making trips to Nebraska to watch dance recitals, plays, ball games, church programs or just hangout were important for Karen to be a part of. The grandchildren close by spent many hours with their “Gigi.” She enjoyed all their antics and activities they were involved in.

The natural world was also one of Karen’s delights. Flower gardens were her specialty and she studied to become a Master Gardener in retirement. Being outside was very important as she saw the beauty and glory of God in all of nature. Hiking, bird watching, walking down the rivers with her kids and grandkids and just sitting on the porch were great times. Trips to the mountains and outdoor venues were always welcome.

Karen will be missed dearly, but we are so happy she was released from this life and the Alzheimer’s Disease that riddled her mind the last few years. Glory to God!

Those left to cherish Karen’s memory are her three daughters, Kristi Sheffy of Dallas, Texas, Karla Sheffy and husband Ron Harris of Emporia, Kansas, and Carrie Jones and husband, Dustin of Amarillo; five grandchildren, Elisha, Alexandria and Micah Sheffy-Harris all of Emporia, and Aidan and Sophie Jones of Amarillo; and many nieces and nephews, relatives and friends.

Those who have gone before her are husband, Don Sheffy; father and mother, Elmo and Pauline Bell; mother and father-in-law, Sid and Myrtle Sheffy; brother, Lonnie Bell; and many other close relatives.

Memorials may be sent to Pinnacle Community Church Church, 7305 S. Coulter St., Amarillo, Texas 79119, Dimmitt United Methodist Church, 110 SW 3rd St., Dimmitt, Texas 79027 or to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave. Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601.

Please sign the guestbook at colonialfuneralhome.org