KAREN MCKINNEY MOORE 1941- 2023

Karen McKinney Moore, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away surrounded by her cherished family at home in Cat Spring, Texas June 19, 2023. Adored daughter of the late Lucile and I.W. “Dub” McKinney, Karen was born on Jan. 26, 1941, in Goose Creek, where her father worked for Humble Oil. In 1946, she moved with her family to Houston, Texas where she attended Roberts Elementary, Lanier Junior High, and Lamar High School. Karen attended Texas Tech University where she was a member of the Zeta Tau Alpha sorority.

Karen met the love of her life, Robert L. “Bob” Moore, in 1955. They married in Houston in 1961 and enjoyed 62 years of marriage. Together, they traveled throughout the United States and the world. The original Martha Stewart, Karen was a gracious entertainer who hosted many special occasions for friends and family in her homes.

A skilled designer, she built three beautiful houses in Houston and one in Cat Spring. She adorned each home with exquisite handmade needle work and lovely gardens she created, along with extensive collections of quilts, Blue Willow China, fine and folk art she assembled over her lifetime. Karen was proud of her heritage. She was a 5th generation Texan with deep roots in Louisiana. She was a life-time member of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas (DRT) and the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). She had a passion for history. Like her father, she was an avid Native American arrowhead hunter. She collected rare books, primarily Texas history and early editions by Larry McMurtry, with whom she became friends through their shared interest in literature. She shared Larry’s belief, “The hardest thing on Earth is choosing what matters.”

A devoted mother to her four children, her family mattered most. Karen founded the Art A La Carte program at St. Francis Episcopal Day School and served on the Parent Teacher Associations of Memorial Drive Elementary, Spring Branch Middle School, and Memorial High School. She served on the Board of Directors of the Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council, as well as leader of her daughters’ scout troops. She was a patron of the Tea Room of the Junior League of Houston and member of the Women’s Association of the River Oaks Country Club since 1985 An accomplished artist, Karen studied painting in Mexico and painted as a member of Houston’s “Starving Artists” in her youth. Later in life, she was a docent of the Bayou Bend Collections and Gardens and the Museum of Fine Arts Houston. In 1967, Karen became a third-generation member of The Blue Bird Circle, a supporter of children’s and pediatric neurology in Houston since 1923. As a Blue Bird, she held many offices, including president from 1983-84. She wore her Blue Bird Circle uniform when appearing in the 1970s on the PBS television show Inquiry that discussed current events.

Karen is survived by her husband, Bob Moore; daughter Elizabeth Galtney, son-in-law Will Galtney, and granddaughters Ella Rose Arnold and Ruby Arnold; daughter Laura Wheless, son-in-law Bob Wheless, and granddaughter Hannah Wheless; daughter Rebecca Pletz and granddaughter Mckinney Pletz; son Robert L. Moore Jr., daughter-in-law Shelley, and grandsons Robert L. “Treb” Moore III and Carter Moore; brother-in-law Ben H. Moore Jr. and sister- in-law Diane; brother-in-law William C. “Bill” Moore and sister-in-law Ginny; and sister-in-law Marsha Moody; and many treasured cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Karen is preceded in death by her parents, Lucille and I.W. “Dub” McKinney; sister Martha Harriet “Pinky” Smith and brother-in-law Stanley; sister Molly Lo Hoffman; mother and father-in-law, Muriel and Ben H. Moore; brother-in-law George R. Moody; as well as many dear dogs and cats.

The family wishes to sincerely thank Millie Alfaro, Maria Gutierrez, Johanna Diaz, and Louisa Skaggs for their friendship and loving care of Karen.

A memorial service was held at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Houston at 4:00 pm on Saturday, June 24, Karen and Bob’s 62nd wedding anniversary. They were married at St. Luke’s by Bishop A. Frank Smith. Guests were encouraged to wear colorful clothing. Karen loved vibrant, happy hues. A private family interment was held at the Lutheran Church Cemetery in Cat Spring.

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions in honor of Karen Moore may be directed to The Blue Bird Circle at P.O. Box 66027, Houston, TX, 77266 or thebluebirdcircle.com For more information, please contact The Blue Bird Circle at (713) 5280470.