Karen Jean (Speer) Riffel

Karen Jean (Speer) Riffel was born on October 3, 1942, in Rhea, Oklahoma, to Clarence “Debs” Speer and Irene (Carter) Speer. She grew up in Taloga, Oklahoma, where she attended school and developed a lifelong dedication to education, music, and public service.

Karen continued her education at Southwestern Oklahoma State University, where she was honored as SWOSU Freshman Queen. Throughout her distinguished career, she earned numerous professional accolades, including National Certified Master Clerk and Oklahoma Outstanding Municipal Clerk, reflecting her exceptional commitment to municipal service.

Karen was a devoted member of the Taloga Christian Church, where she was actively involved for many years. She served faithfully as a pianist and music director for approximately 30 years, sharing her musical talents and love for worship with her church family.

A true public servant, Karen dedicated over 40 years to the Town of Taloga, City of Anadarko, plus the municipalities of Waynoka, Seiling, and Mooreland. serving in various capacities within the school system and municipal administration. She ultimately served as City Administrator, where her leadership, integrity, and dedication left a lasting impact on the community she loved.

Karen married Verlyn (Bud) Thomsen in 1962 and made their home in Taloga, Ok. With life changes, she met Alan Riffel in 1996 and they married 8 years later in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Following their marriage, they resided in Woodward, Oklahoma until her passing. Karen was a proud and loving mother to two children, Phil Thomsen and Kay Lynn Folmar.

In addition to her professional career, Karen enjoyed music and sports and remained actively involved in several professional organizations, including the Oklahoma Municipal Clerks and Treasurer's Association and City Managers Association of Oklahoma.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Debs and Irene Speer; her brothers, Kenneth Speer and Larry Speer; and her nephews, Greg Speer, Doug Speer, Larry Don Speer, and father-in-law Don Riffel.

She is survived by her son, Phil Thomsen and wife Lori of Tuttle, Oklahoma; her daughter, Kay Lynn Folmar and husband Ryan of Tulsa, Oklahoma; bonus children Amber Luke of Lindsay, Oklahoma, Alex Riffel of Oklahoma City, and Emma Riffel of Oklahoma City; her brother, Ronnie Speer of Taloga, Oklahoma; her sister-in-law, Donna Speer of Taloga, Oklahoma; mother in law Carolyn Riffel of Woodward, Oklahoma; sister in law Kathy Kraiza of Humble, Texas; brother in law Greg Riffel and wife Kim of Irving, Texas; her special sister-in-law, Carolyn Speer of Norman, Oklahoma, grandchildren Kade Folmar, Reese Folmar and Luke Folmar all of Tulsa; grandchildren Logan Thomsen and wife Angel of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Rylan Thomsen and fiancé Sierra of Tuttle, Oklahoma; Taylor Jones of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and great grandchildren River and Juniper Thomsen; bonus grandchildren Acacia Luke of Duncan, Oklahoma and Calista Luke of Lindsay, Oklahoma; along with many other family members, friends, and community members who were blessed by her life.

Karen will be remembered for her servant’s heart, musical gifts, professional excellence, and unwavering dedication to her family, faith, and community.

Memorial donations may be made to the

Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation (OMRF)

c/o Shaw Funeral Home

P>O. Box 276

Vici, OK 73859.