Karen Ortman

April 3, 2026

Karen was born on January 8, 1951, and passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her family and loved ones as was her wish. She was born in Stockton, California to Harold and Dorethy Beauchamp and moved with her family and finally settled in Reno, Nevada. She graduated from Reno High School and went on to attend the University of Nevada, Reno where she obtained an associate degree. It was while attending the University that she met her future husband, Kenneth Ortman.

She and Ken were married on July 13, 1973, and they embarked on a lifetime of adventure, traveling around the states courtesy of the United States Air Force. They went from the freezing cold of North Dakota to the balmy beaches of Hawaii. While in Hawaii she learned to SCUBA dive and sail. At every assignment Karen became involved with activities both with the local community and the on-base community. Never a stranger, she befriended everyone she met and was available at any time to help anyone at any time.

Karen and Ken were blessed with 3 sons who she cherished and loved without reservation. She would do anything for them but wouldn’t hesitant to correct them when necessary. Her pride in them grew as they developed into strong, self-reliant, productive members of the communities they live in.

Karen was an avid Scouter and was very active in the Scouting program, firmly believing that it prepared young men to be leaders and valued members of society. She guided not only her three sons to the vaulted rank of Eagle Scout but assisted numerous others along the trail to Eagle Scout. She eventually became a full-time Scouting employee and retired after working in the Modesto District Office for almost 10 years. During her time in Scouting she earned numerous awards including the District Award of Merit, the Order of the Arrow, Wood Badge, and the Silver Beaver Award.

Karen was an active member of the local TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) group. She held various leadership roles within the group and strived to help others lose or maintain weight while she worked at losing weight. She won several regional awards while on her weight loss journey and became a New Century Winner after losing over 100 pounds. She delighted in getting new, smaller clothing sizes with each goal she achieved.

After her husband retired from the Air Force, they moved to Oklahoma and settled in the town of Harrah. Upon settling down they joined the Fellowship Bible Church family and became involved in the life of the congregation. Karen would cheerfully greet any new arrivals ensuring they were comfortable. She loved reading the Bible and started and led several Bible study groups. Accepting Jesus Christ as her savior was natural to her. She would discuss the path to salvation with anyone to ensure they knew the beauty and love of our Lord and Savior. She looked forward to going home to her eternal rest with Jesus Christ and will wait patiently for her family and friends to join her.

Karen is preceded in death by her parents.

She is survived by her husband Ken who loved and still loves her. She is also survived by her brother Robert (Bud or Spudnut) and her three sons, Kevin, Kyle, and Karl. Also, by her grandchildren Monique, Terra, Adora, Orion, and Cara as well as her great grandchild Zoe.

The family will have private memorial services to be held at a later date.

Arrangements are under the care of Asa Smith Funeral Service of Harrah, Oklahoma. Online condolences may be made at www.asasmith.net