Karen Darlene Wallace

Karen Wallace of Corydon, KY, 75, died 12/22/2024 at her daughter’s home in Sebree under the care of St. Anthony’s Hospice. She was surrounded by her daughter, son-in-law, grand dogs and cats, as well as her family and friends. Karen was born in Odon, Indiana to Erma and Fay Byrer. She was the youngest of five children. After moving to Henderson KY in 1955, she grew up primarily in Cooper Park. She was taught tennis by Doc Hosbach and went on to play for Henderson City High School at age 13 but she was also teaching tennis to the County High students.On Friday December 13, 1963 Karen married Eddie Wallace. Four years later they had their daughter, Angie. Due to Angie’s health concerns, Karen stayed home to raise their daughter and be a homemaker. Karen was a top notch dedicated mother to her daughter. Karen never stopped fighting for her child to have the best health care, the best education, the best opportunities. Karen left no stone unturned for her child to succeed in life. When doctors said there was nothing left to do, she said wanna bet? When the school system said her child should be left behind, she said I don’t think so. When her daughter was told after high school the best she could do was working in a sheltered workshop, she said try again. That child lives a normal life and has flourished. Because she had a mother who never said to quit. Not once.Karen was born a horse woman and ended up owning several horses, as well as training many horses for other people. She loved most animals. Their home was always full of animals of all kinds. She was featured on Backroads with Hal Wolford many times but most notably for successfully raising a nest of wild rabbits then releasing them back into the wild. While her husband worked for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Sauerheber Unit in the Alzey Bottoms of Henderson County, she ended up raising(legally) all kinds of wildlife brought to her by well meaning people. She raised five whitetail deer in the house, multiple squirrels, rabbits, raccoons, and a plethora of others. In addition, they owned a Mink Farm and at one point had 500 Mink. She was always busy raising some baby or another that needed a human mommy.Karen was quite athletic in her day. In addition to tennis, she absolutely loved to bowl. She took lessons after her daughter moved out then went on to win many games and tournaments. She was very competitive and her daughter loved to call her a sore winner because she was more obnoxious when she won than when she lost. Karen was married for 57 and ½ years to her husband and was completely lost without him. She tried to recover some of her spark for life after he died in 2021 but it just didn’t happen. Her health sharply declined and she was just ready to go be with him again. Karen was preceded in death by both her parents, her brothers Larry Jackson and Marvin Byrer and their sister, Judy Byrer. She is survived by her daughter Angie Skaggs and her husband Keith of Sebree, KY; her stepdaughter, Diana McFarron of Raleigh, NC. She is also survived by her sister, Nancy Walker and her husband Bill. There are also many nieces and nephews to carry on her memory. The family would like to thank a special friend Mark Sellars for all his help, guidance and care since Eddie died. They would like to say a super special thank you to April Burns, Sarah Utley, Carolyn Angle and the Grief Support Group at St. Anthony’s for not only taking care of her physical needs but her emotional and spiritual needs since Eddie died as well. Her life was especially enriched by their love, care and support. There really are angels on earth. Memorial services will be held on Saturday January 4, 2024 at 4pm at Townsend Funeral Home in Dixon, KY. Rev. Jody Hughes will officiate. Friends may visit after 10:30am that Saturday until service time at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers donations in her memory can be made to St. Anthony’s Hospice 2410 S. Green St Henderson, KY 42420 or Shriners Hospital for Children 2900 Rocky Point Drive Tampa, FL 33607. Online condolences can be made at www.townsendfuneralhomeinc.com