Karen Mae Kittle Goetz, 80, of Livingston, Texas, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, September 24, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.
Karen was born on January 31, 1946, in Watertown, New York, to J. Murray and Leona McCray Kittle, who she joined in Heaven. She graduated from Clayton Central School in Clayton, New York, and later from the Rochester Business Institute.
Throughout her life, Karen found great joy in serving and making a difference where the Lord called her to be. She served as the Director of the Clayton Area Chamber of Commerce until her retirement. After moving to Livingston, she continued giving her time to others through her volunteer work at the Center of Hope, where she enjoyed helping those in need and made many lasting friendships. She was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 0821.
Karen’s relationship with Jesus was at the center of her life. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Livingston. Her faith could be seen by the way she treated people with compassion, warmth, and a genuine desire to make others feel welcome.
More than anything, Karen treasured her family. She embraced life with a joyful spirit and will be remembered for the warmth she brought into every room, the friendships she nurtured, and the love she so freely gave. While our hearts ache for her, she would not want us to weep but rejoice in the fact that she lived her life for Jesus and is now home in His presence.
Left to cherish Karen’s memory are her devoted husband, Dave Goetz; her son, Austin Goetz and his wife, Krista; her daughter, Christine Peters and her husband, Kip; her grandchildren, Kanin Peters, Kaine Peters, and Kolton Goetz; her siblings, Keith Kittle and his wife, Candy; Kevin Kittle and his wife, Sue; and Kathy Evans and her husband, Pat; along with extended family and a host of dear friends.
A Celebration of Karen’s Life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, October 5, 2026, at Pace Funeral Home, 200 FM 350 N, Livingston, Texas. The service will be officiated by Pastor Brad Butler and Brother Mike Fortney.
Local arrangements are with T.R. Jetty Funeral Home in Clayton.
Condolences may be made at trjetty.com
Gary Puccia
Captain Dave,
Susan and I are very south hear of Karen’s passing. Please seek some
peace know she has been in so many people’s prayers. Karen is at peace now with now pain. She is sharing such good times now with family and friends who have been waiting in heaven for
her arrival
talk to you soon
Capt. Gary
Lorraine and Ken Rogers
So so sorry to see this, our prayers and thoughts are with the Kittle and Goetz family, we have known Karen for many years……
Bonnie Byrne
I am so sorry to hear about Karen. I talked with her this summer, a wonderful person she was❣️ – – a lot of really good memories. My prayers are to all family!
Lars and Eileen Hauck
We are praying for the Kittle family.
Skip & Deb Hellings
Sorry to learn of Karen’s passing. Remember the many memories. Those cannot be taken from you.
Martha Millett
Saddens me to read of Karen’s passing. She indeed was the epitome of love, joy and happiness and demonstrated that whenever I saw her. I always received an honest hug with caring inquiry of family and life. Please accept Tom’s and my sincere condolences and our hope that her lasting love carries all of her family through this difficult time.
John J Dorr
Hearing of Karen’s passing takes a peace of my heart, in our past Karen was a true and steadfast friend, and she remained that way through the years. Farewell my love
Tom and Lou Kelsey
Dave, So sorry to hear of Karen’s passing. Our prayers are with you and family
Tina Londerville
So sorry to hear of Karen’s passing. She was a good women and friends. Live and prayers for all of you ♥️
Jessica Spicer
Austin and family,
We are so very sorry for the loss of your mom. Karen was always so kind, warm, and welcoming. I’ll always remember the days of her answering all those landline calls at 1228 before cell phones, such a different time! I loved walking by the Chamber office and stopping in to say hello.
May she rest peacefully, and may you all find comfort in the love you shared, the memories you hold close, and your faith during this difficult time.
Thinking of you all and sending our love and deepest condolences. You were all missed when you moved to Texas, and I hope you know how fondly your family and friendship has always been remembered here.
With love, always,
Jessie Bach Spicer and family
Linda M Cantwell
david and family so sorry for your loss a great lady gone to soon my thought and prayers will be with u during this difficult
Peggy Gill
So very sorry to read of Karen’s passing ~ she was such a beautiful blessing to all that knew her ~ always a hug and kind word ~ May the Good Lord comfort you in the days to come ❤️
Gene Kleinhans
Sorry to read this, Dave. Remember the years you had. Prayers for strength for you and the family.
Christopher Bogenschutz
I am saddened to hear of Karen’s passing. I feel fortunate to have known her, worked with her at the Chamber, and most importantly, to have called her a friend. Karen was such a kind and person and I have many wonderful memories of our time together that I will always treasure. She will truly be missed. My deepest condolences to Dave, her family and everyone who loved her.
Debbie Schafer Phinney
I am so sorry to read of Karen’s passing. You are all in my thoughts and prayers, hold tight to your memories.
dale C HARVEY
my thoughts and prayers go out to Dave and the kids so sorry for your loss Karen was a loving woman and very kind i meet her for the first time at the chamber i am going to miss her very much you are with the lord until we meet again RIP
Lance and Karla Peterson
To the Goetz and Kittle families, we are so sorry to hear of Karen’s passing. She helped us so much when we decided to take over the Christmas parade. She became a dear friend and was missed when she moved to be with family. But she made the right move! Blessings to you all, you will be in our prayers.
Audie Cerow
So sad to hear this. Loved Karen and her positive, vivacious spirit. Such a sweet woman. Condolences to Dave and the entire Kittle clan.
Mary Meeks Patch
Dave and family I am so sorry to hear this. Karen was a very special person for sure. My condolences to all.
Marcia & Allen Sherman
Dave, Austin, Christine and The Kittle Families….Sherm and I are so sad to see this. Karen was a wonderful, caring person and I always enjoyed our conversations. She was the kindest person, always had a positive, vivacious attitude and did so much for Clayton. Much love to you all in the days to come. Always in our hearts.
Mike and Kathy (Frickman) Strough
Our prayers are with all of Karen’s family. She always had a smile and easy to laugh. She especially enjoyed giving “Curley” a hard time. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all.
Cathy Hunt Saunders
To Dave and family and to my Kittle family. I feel that I have lost a big sister since I have known Karen since I was 5 years old. I loved her like I loved all my Kittle family. Many memories made. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. She is out of pain and in Heaven with her Lord and Savior
Erin Greene
Captain Dave and family,
I am shocked and deeply saddened to read that Karen has passed. Please accept my sincere condolences. Karen was one of the kindest people I knew, and running into her in Clayton, either while you lived there or when you visited after moving to Texas, was always a joy, always guaranteed an uplifting conversation. I know you all have many happy memories to sustain you in this sad time. Thinking of you all.
Tom & Nancy Augliano
So sad to hear of Karen’s passing. She was a wonderful person and truly a blessing to many throughout her life. Prayers of comfort and peace for the Goetz and Kittle family – thinking of you all and sending our love.
Patricia A. Bazinet
I moved to Clayton at 16 and left my schoolmates behind. I thought it would be difficult adjusting to a new school, but then I was under the wing of an angel, named Karen Kittle. She greeted me as if she had always known me and through her I met her many friends. She was my lifelong friend, and her husband David, and my late husband Harry were groundskeepers together at St. Maty’s Cemetery. She was so instrumental in my welcome to a new life in a new town. She was elegant, always with a smile on her face. I simply adored her, may she be at eternal rest. With sincere condolences to her wonderful family, Patricia (Pati) Bazinet