Karen Hayden passed away on Nov. 2, 2016, after a lengthy battle with vascular dementia.
Karen Shahan Hayden was born in Abilene, TX, on October 11, 1941, to George and Vera
Shahan. Karen graduated from Lubbock High School in 1960, and that is where she met
Dale Hayden. They married August 24, 1962. She attended Texas Tech and received her
degree in education. She was a member of Tri Delta Sorority. Numerous years were spent
helping Dale at the Sport Haus and raising Mark and Michelle. She loved to spend time working
in the yard, planting flowers, and watching the humming birds. She also loved antiquing and going
to garage sales. She also kept new-born babies for Smithlawn before they were adopted. Karen
went back to Texas Tech and received her master’s degree to become an Educational Diagnostician
where she worked at Lubbock ISD, John Montford Unit, and Shallowater ISD.
Granddaughter Chelsey was born in 1989, and she was a true blessing to Karen. Karen loved taking
trips to the Houston Zoo, Disneyland, Disneyworld, Hawaii, and spending time at the family cabin in
Ruidoso. She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Dale; son, Mark, daughter, Michelle Bingham
and husband, Craig; grandchildren, Brooke and Cade Bingham, Chelsey Horkey and husband, Trey;
great-grandchildren London and Jude Horkey.
Karen is preceded in death by her parents; a stepbrother, Randy Shahan. Karen loved helping others
and she was loved by numerous friends and family. However, we all know she is at her eternal home in
heaven. The family would like to thank Tracy Cleckler and the staff at Tanglewood Estate for the wonderful
care given to Karen.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Southcrest Building Fund, 3801 S Loop 289, Lubbock, TX 79423
or American Heart Association PO Box 841125, Dallas, TX 75284.