Obituary

KAREN NORVELL

Karen Sue (Degan) Norvell, age 73, of Prairie Grove, AR, passed away peacefully in her home on November 3, 2021, due to complications from multiple sclerosis. She was born March 1, 1948, in Beloit, WI, to James E. Degan, Sr. & Eldora W. (Keech) Degan. She was raised in Beloit, where she graduated from F. J. Turner High School in 1966.

She had a lifetime career in banking that began in San Francisco, CA. Karen was a strong, independent soul that loved to travel, taking her to 9 European countries & Hawaii. She met & married her husband, John E. Norvell, in 1974, & they relocated to Prairie Grove, AR, the next year. Her pets were her children.

Karen will be remembered for her generous spirit. She was always contributing her love, gifts & creative talents to her spiritual home. She had an artistic passion for greeting card stamping, blessing everyone with her beautiful cards. Karen had a huge heart for all animals, but especially cats. The abandoned cats in her neighborhood found food, refuge & love with her. She kept beautiful gardens that attracted the birds, she loved her Irises, & had an amazing knowledge of plants. She loved gathering with friends for meals, movies, classes, parties & fun outings.

Karen was preceded in death by her loving husband of 26 years, John E. Norvell, and her parents James & Eldora. She is survived by siblings Donald Degan, Patty Degan & husband Darin Purdy, and James Degan, Jr. & wife Mary, nephews & nieces Brian & Mark Degan, Christopher & Shawn Pollentier, and Jamie & Alex Degan.

She was an active, loving member of the Unity Church of Fayetteville for the last 8 years, and Prairie Grove Church of Christ prior to that.

Karen has requested any memorials be made to the Friends of Prairie Grove Pound or the Unity Church of Fayetteville.
Funeral Service
Service information unavailable.
Visitation
Visitation information unavailable.
Final Resting Place
Beaty Cemetery
West, Row 26, Space 45
General

Mar 1, 1948

Nov 5, 2021

73

Tributes

RIP SWEET LADY
Karie Vickery - Friend
I worked with Karen many years ago at a local bank. My husband & I also bowled on a mixed couples bowling league with her & John. We had some good times, but had lost contact for the last several years. She was a courageous lady. Rest In Peace, Karen.
Carrie Beal - Friend
Prayers are with Karen’s family and friends. Karen was a beautiful lady with a kind heart. Her husband ,John, bowled with my husband on a team. When Eddie sponsored our ladies team Karen bowled with us. That’s how I met her. Even though she had MS she bowled good. Went on trips to bowling tournaments. Did card stamping at her parties. Karen was a very special lady and I am truly happy that I met her. May she Rest In Peace now. ????
Diana Phillips - Friend
I think Karen was one of the best employees I ever worked with. She was very kind and considerate to everyone both customers and co-workers.
Greg Reed - Friend and co-worker
Funeral Service
Service information unavailable.
Visitation
Visitation information unavailable.
Final Resting Place
Beaty Cemetery
West, Row 26, Space 45
General

Mar 1, 1948

Nov 5, 2021

73