Karen H. Poole

In Loving Memory of Karen H. Poole

It is with deep sorrow and love that we announce the passing of Karen H. Poole, 62, of New Braunfels, Texas. Karen passed away peacefully at her home on July 22, 2025, following a long, courageous, and faith-filled battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her devoted family and close friends, who lovingly supported her throughout her journey.

Karen was born on June 18, 1963, in Rigby, Idaho, to Carmen Bitter and Garth Hall. The seventh of ten children, she was raised on a dairy farm, where she learned the values of hard work, humility, and perseverance. From feeding calves before dawn to helping with household chores, Karen developed a strong work ethic and deep sense of responsibility that would guide her throughout her life.

A 1981 graduate of Rigby High School, Karen was active in academics, seminary, and the drill team. In 1983, she met Brik Poole, who lived just down the road in the community of Annis, Idaho. Karen’s determination to build a connection with him blossomed into a love story that would span more than four decades. The two were truly inseparable. If you saw one, the other was always nearby — partners in every sense of the word.

Karen and Brik were sealed for time and all eternity on June 18, 1983, in the Idaho Falls Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A deeply devoted wife, Karen worked tirelessly to support Brik through college and stood by his side through every chapter of life. Together, they lived in Idaho, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, and North Dakota, before making their forever home in New Braunfels, Texas, where they spent the last 21 years. Karen cherished Texas — it was a place filled with joy, memories, and warmth.

A loving and selfless mother, Karen poured her heart into raising her four children. She took immense pride in her family’s accomplishments and supported them in every pursuit. Whether it was through handwritten cards, thoughtful gifts, heartfelt advice, or late-night phone calls, Karen made sure her children and grandchildren always felt seen, heard, and loved. She was the heart of the family — always available, always encouraging, and always kind.

Karen was also a loyal friend — steadfast, sincere, and generous. She had an extraordinary ability to make others feel valued and important. Her door was always open, her listening ear always present, and her counsel always wise. She was the kind of friend who stood by you through thick and thin, never judging, always loving.

A devoted disciple of Jesus Christ, Karen was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in numerous callings with humility and joy. Her favorite calling was music time with the Primary children, where her love for music, talents and her nurturing spirit came together in the most beautiful way. Her service extended beyond the Church—she was a constant source of light in her community, quietly lifting others through acts of compassion and kindness.

Karen loved the outdoors and shared many adventures with Brik, riding motorcycles through the Smoky Mountains, the Black Hills of South Dakota, Tail of the Dragon on the Tennessee and North Carolina border, and the scenic Texas Hill Country. She was skilled at crochet and enjoyed needlework, often gifting handmade items that reflected her care and creativity. She enjoyed recreational target shooting, hunting wild pigs, trout fishing and being out in nature. She also had a playful nature, a competitive streak and loved board games, puzzles, word games, and especially card games like pinochle — where she often won and always made it fun. She adored animals, especially her beloved schnauzer, Kiera, and had a soft spot for moose.

Karen worked for many years in the nursing home and assisted living industry, where she touched countless lives with her empathy, professionalism, and heart. She was known as one of the best admissions coordinators in the field, but even more so as a colleague and friend who brought warmth and care to everyone she encountered. When illness forced her retirement, it was a sorrowful moment for someone so deeply committed to serving others.

Karen leaves behind a legacy of love, making memories, loyalty, and quiet strength. She was a devoted wife, a nurturing mother, a proud grandmother, a treasured sister, and an unforgettable friend. She made the world a better place simply by being in it.

She is preceded in death by her mother, Carmen Bitter Hall; her sister, Kolene Hall; and her brother, Klair B. Hall. She is survived by her loving husband, Brik A. Poole of New Braunfels, Texas; her four children: Corteiga (Orlan Lund) of Rexburg, ID, Caffreina (Scott Heidbrink) of Albuquerque, NM, Micajah (Jessica Parke) of Moses Lake, WA, and Corseina (Michael Streeter) of Monument, CO; 10 beloved grandchildren; four brothers; three sisters; and numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cherished friends.

Per Karen’s wishes, there will be no formal funeral service. A memorial gathering and inurnment will take place at a later date at the Annis Little Butte Cemetery, near her childhood home.

Karen will be remembered always — for her faith, her warmth, her laughter, creating family memories and the unwavering love she gave to everyone lucky enough to know her.