Karen Lou Holmes, of Blackwell, Oklahoma, passed away on Sunday, December 21, 2025, in Nardin, Oklahoma, at the age of 82 years.

Karen Lou Holmes was born on August 25, 1943, in Blackwell. She was the daughter of Glen and Evelyn (Washburn) Elsenrath. She grew up in Nardin, and attended school at Blackwell Public Schools.

Karen married Ken Flowers, and they had one daughter, Kimberly. Karen then married Kenny DeLester in 1964, and they made their home in Nardin. They had one daughter, Krista. She served her family as a homemaker, and helped Kenny farm. In 1983, she married Russell Holmes, and they made their home in Blackwell. She helped Russell at Holmes Electric. She enjoyed motorcycle trips with Russell, and enjoyed the Vikings' football games. Furthermore, she also loved seeing her granddaughters' softball games.

She was preceded in death by her husband; one daughter, Kimberly DeLester; one sister, Glenda Elsenrath; and her parents.

She is survived by one daughter, Krista Gleason and husband Tom of Nardin; two granddaughters: Katelyn Dockery and husband Jerry of Moore, Oklahoma, and Lynda Peters and husband Hugo of Norman, Oklahoma; and one great-grandson, Carter, of Moore.

A Graveside Service will be held in the Mt. Olive Cemetery at 4:00 PM, Friday, December 26, 2025. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Karen’s honor to either Wheatheart Nutrition, or Hospice of North Central Oklahoma, c/o Roberts and Son Funeral Home.