Karen Ruth Niles of Blackwell, Oklahoma, died Thursday morning, March 24, 2011, at her home in Blackwell at the age of 65 years.

Karen Ruth Niles was born on May 17, 1945, in Wichita, Kansas, to Virgil Lee and Ruth Eileen (Bomhoff) Elliott. She began school in Wichita, Kansas. Following kindergarten the family moved to Blackwell where she completed her schooling and graduated in 1963. She furthered her education by receiving an associate degree from Northern Oklahoma College. She married Bob Niles on June 17, 1967, and they made their home in Blackwell. During their first years of marriage, Karen worked at the Turvey Packing Company. With the birth of their first daughter, Bridget, she became a stay at home mom. Karen was an active member of the First Christian Church, She Spent many hours volunteering at the Youth Snack Bar, Women's Ministry, the fair booth and with anything asked of her. She spent several years as a volunteer at the Blackwell Hospital. In 1980 she began her fight with non-malignant memingioma. These tumors continued to plague her. Through countless doctor visits, surgeries and treatments she showed faith in God and confidence that she would be healed. And now she is! Many have said she in an inspiration because she didn't complain and she always had a smile. She loved and enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and had a special bond with each of them and the grandkids loved their nanny. She was happiest when there was a ball game, school program or activity she could support and encourage them in.

She will be deeply missed by her husband Bob Niles of Blackwell, Oklahoma; three daughters; Bridget Dollarhide and husband Chad of Blackwell, Oklahoma, Heidi Ashford and husband Sam of Blackwell, Oklahoma, and Heather Niles of Blackwell, Oklahoma; one sister, Marsha Briggs and husband Mike of Blackwell, Oklahoma; seven grandchildren; Hope Dollarhide, Drew Dollarhide, Kyle Dollarhide, Faith Ashford, Lydia Ashford, Emily Ashford and Owen Ashford of Blackwell, Oklahoma; and many close friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents Virgil and Ruth Elliott.

Services are scheduled for 1:30 p.m., Monday, March 28th in the First Christian Church in Blackwell, Oklahoma, with Rev Jeff Koch officiating. Burial will follow in the Blackwell Cemetery.

Honorary Casketbearers will be Larry Cannon, Frank Dyer, Wayne Whittington, Mike Briggs, Terryl Willbanks, Fred LeValley, JoDel Shepherd, Nate McLain, Paul Michael, H.R. Bomhoff, Bryle Martin and Don Zerbe.

Casketbearers will be Dan Shepherd, Wes Childers, Ronnie Walker, Brad Bechtel, Jim Corbin, and Jon Ihrig.

In lieu of flowers, we ask contributions be made to the Hope Dollarhide Fund at Central National Bank, 102 North Main, Blackwell, Oklahoma 74631.