Karen Lee Leonard
1942 – 2020
Karen Lee (Moehlenhoff) Leonard, born 3/15/42, to Carl V and Verna Jean Moehlenhoff and wife of Joe C. Leonard died peacefully at home on 8/28/2020 after a long struggle with pulmonary problems. She graduated from Drury University and trained as a medical technologist at OUHSC. In 1963 she needed a date to a party and with pushing from her roommate, invited a stuck-up medical student she kept passing in the halls. Fortunately for him, it was curable and they were married in St. Louis on 12/28/64. She worked as a medical technologist at OU Hospital and Marion County Hospital, Indianapolis, while he finished his training. In 1968 she retired to become, as a daughter noted, a fantastic domestic engineer. They had four children. She served as the Girl Scout leader for all of her daughters, Den Mother for her son and was active in each of their schools. She led a life of caring and sharing, working in Edmond Meals on Wheels almost from its beginning. She volunteered at the Skyline Urban Ministry pantry for nearly 20 years where her accepting demeanor, inspirational thought for the day, and the introduction of client choice shopping to Oklahoma City benefitted many. She was an active member of First United Methodist Church, Edmond. She shared her home and her love with the five international students they hosted while they attended Memorial high school as well as numerous UCO international students through the community hosting program, a program she helped start. Following her husband's' retirement, they travelled extensively in the US, visiting all fifty states. They also visited their European exchange students and their families and on a 50 th anniversary trip to SE Asia where she was treated like a queen while hosted by former student in Thailand. A favorite gathering was the monthly "sewing club" luncheon.
She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Joe, sister, Susan Topping, children, Lisa (Mike) Frits, Kimberly (Ernie) Limbo, Laura (Mike) Lirette and Jonathan (Hannah) Leonard, her adored grandchildren, William and Allison Frits, Henry and Anne Limbo and Gage and Victoria Leonard as well as friends, too numerous to count.
A memorial service will be held at some date in the future. Memorial gifts can be made to First United Methodist Church, Edmond, Skyline Urban Ministry, Edmond Mobil Meals or the charity of your choice.