Our world got a little dimmer when Karen H. Suggs, 79, of New Braunfels, Texas, departed on March 7, 2026, in Garden Ridge.

Karen was born to Reagan and Sylvia (Jonas) Heitkamp on October 24, 1946. Growing up in Bracken, Texas, she first attended school at the two-room Davenport School and then became one of the first students to attend Comal Elementary, Canyon Middle School, and Canyon High School, graduating in 1964. She graduated from Southwest Texas State University with a degree in education and spent the next 30 years teaching primary grades, mostly in Freeport, Texas.

Karen developed a passion for weightlifting in her twenties and couldn't give up the habit, no matter how hard she tried. She enjoyed being in shape, or perhaps she feared what her German love of bread and beer would do if she stayed still for too long!

After retirement, Karen and her husband and very best friend, Tommy, returned to the Heitkamp family homestead in Bracken, but they also spent time in their homes in Wesley, Arkansas, and Fort Davis, Texas. They enjoyed the mountains and star-filled skies in both places while escaping the hottest part of the year back home. Time away from television screens, daily newspapers, and traffic was also a huge draw for them. No matter where Karen spent time, she undoubtedly found herself surrounded by the liveliest of characters. No telling who sought out whom (according to her), but she always walked away with the most fascinating and hilarious stories.

Karen filled much of her time during these extended stays flexing her creative muscles by making beautiful scrapbooks for family and friends and preferred to communicate by mail. Her beautifully written letters contained hilarious stories and observations, often accompanied by a cartoon or a quote that made the recipient's day.

Karen's love for people was quiet but strong, and she used her time and resources to help those in need wherever she could find them. She served her tiny students and taught them to seek out ways to help others. She had a fierce moral compass and supported those who spoke out publicly against unjust practices against humans or animals.

Music was also a great love of Karen's. Attending concerts, dances, and local festivals with friends were among her favorite things. Gardening was another passion, and, always the giver, Karen loved to grow enough to share with members of her church and community. Karen and Tommy fostered hundreds of animals during their time together. Many foster cats and dogs became permanent members of the family, even making the yearly trek to the mountains. Karen, a member of Unity Church of New Braunfels, lived her life the way she imagined Jesus would want, by spreading His love to people of all walks of life every opportunity she saw.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband and best friend of 50 years, John T. "Tommy" Suggs; her sister, Nancy Heitkamp Koehler; her stepson, John Thomas "Bubba" Suggs III; and her great-nephew, Jorden Heitkamp.

She is survived by her brother, Jim Heitkamp and his wife, Joan; her nieces and nephews, Troy Heitkamp, Amber Heitkamp, and Kyle Heitkamp and his wife, Nicole; her great-niece, Haisley Heitkamp; her stepdaughter, Debra Kay Suggs; and her daughter-in-law, Cindy Suggs Massoletti.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, March 27, 2026, at Doeppenschmidt Funeral Home in New Braunfels, with Rev. Karen Tudor officiating.

Karen will be remembered for her warm smile, her easy laughter, the twinkle in her bright blue eyes, and her humble and unassuming personality that endeared her to everyone who knew her.