Karen May Ogden, 78, of Sulphur passed away on Thursday, Nov. 4, 2021, in her residence with her family at her side.

Karen was a graduate of TCU (Texas Christian University) and taught Spanish in Texas before moving back to Sulphur. She was a member of Henning Memorial Methodist Church of Sulphur.  Karen was the owner/director of Karen Ogden Dance Studio for 51 years; teaching numerous students not only all facets of dance and twirling, but the life-long principles of hard work and strength of character.  She was very passionate about the sport of twirling always studying to improve her education and the talent of her students. She was a certified coach whose students won awards consistently at the National Level of competition, as well as coaching LA State Grand Champions for many years. In 1996 Karen passed her Master Judge test allowing her to judge the US Trials. In 1999 she achieved the highest honor of being selected as one of the US Judges for the World Championships. She was also a USTA Judge Clinician allowing her to instruct prospective judges to become certified. She has instructed classes at Regional and National Conventions, served as Chairman of the National Team Commission, was a member of the USTA Essential Commission and the Technical Advisory Group. Karen has taken KOS teams to International Cup Competitions in the Netherlands and United States, and KOS students have been chosen to be on the US National Team competing in Canada and Sweden.  For her many years of dedicated service, Karen was inducted into the USTA hall of Fame.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Melba McMillan; her husband of 47 years, Donald Keith Ogden; and infant daughter, Kandice Rene Ogden.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Kristi Ogden O’Quain and her husband, Chad; granddaughters, Keragan Ogden and Karrington O’Quain; grandsons, Zackary O’Quain and Andrew O’Quain all of Sulphur. She will also be greatly missed by her brother, John McMillan and his wife, Alla of Baton Rouge; nieces, Shelley Farrell of New Orleans, and Melissa Sims of Miami, Fla.; and sister-in-law, Nanette Rothkamm of Baton Rouge.

Services celebrating Karen’s life will be held 1 p.m., Monday, Nov. 8, 2021, at Johnson & Robison Funeral Home in Sulphur. Burial will follow in Mimosa Pines Cemetery of Carlyss. The Rev. Reyn Sewell will officiate. Visitation will be 5 – 8 p.m., Sunday and will resume 11 a.m – 1 p.m., Monday at the funeral home.

Pallbearers will be Brandon Devall, Cooper Devall, Scott Jacobs, Michael Lopez, Zackary O’Quain and Andrew O’Quain.

Words of comfort and memories may be shared with the family at www.robisonfuneralhome.com