Karon Wynell Crites

Karon Wynell Crites, 77, of Russellville, died Saturday, August 22, 2026, at Saint Mary's Regional Medical Center. Visitation with the family will be 6:00 – 8:00 PM, Thursday, August 27, 2026, at Humphrey Funeral Chapel. Karon’s Celebration of Life service will be 10:00 AM, Friday, August 28, at Humphrey Funeral Chapel with Rev. Keith Shipley, Rev. Ronnie Shipley and Rev. Chuck Trusty officiating. Burial will be in Old Baptist Cemetery under the direction of Humphrey Funeral Service.

The daughter of Almon Darrell and Hertha Louise (Howerton) Shipley, Karon was born January 8, 1949, in Hico, Texas. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 42 years, Bobby Ellis Crites; and a brother, Randy Shipley.

She is survived by two sons: Todd Ingram of Russellville, Michael Crites (Amy) of Russellville, and a step-son, Paul Crites (Noemi) of Georgia; her daughter, Beverly Ingram of Lamar; five grandchildren: Skyler Womack (Braden), John Paul Crites, Naomi Crites, Levi Crites, and Hannah Crites; three brothers: Keith Shipley (Kathy) of Atkins, Ronald Shipley (Janice) of Ada, Oklahoma, and Bruce Shipley (Janan) of Atkins; and a sister, Anita Blackford (Allen) of Russellville.

Karon was educated at Arkansas Tech University and lived a life marked by faith, family, and a caring heart. A faithful member of Dardanelle Missionary Baptist Church, she devoted many years to teaching children in Sunday School, sharing with them the faith and values that were so important in her own life.

She found happiness in life’s simple pleasures, whether birdwatching, working puzzles, reading a good book, cooking for those she loved, or carefully tending her plants. Above all, Karon treasured time spent with her grandchildren. She expressed her love for them in countless ways, including crocheting blankets for them over the years—each one a lasting reminder of the warmth, patience, and love she so freely gave to her family.

Memorial donations may be made to a cause Karon held a deep passion for: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Direct Donation Link: https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html?sc_icid=home-btn-donate-now