Karen M. Richardson (79), passed away peacefully after a long illness on May 1, 2025. She was born on July 26, 1945 to John and Clara Schallenberger of Wild Horse, Colorado where she helped her parents maintain the family homestead and where she first developed a love of horses and dogs. She graduated high school in Kit Carson, CO, then attended Texas Tech University where she graduated in 1968 with a B.B.A. In 1971, she attended the University of Arkansas where she earned an M.B.A. Lastly, in 1976 she earned a Doctor of Jurisprudence from the University of Houston. During and after those years of education she married Bengy Compton Richardson (March 28, 1969) and held a number of jobs including one with the Small Business Administration and teaching at several colleges. In 1988, she joined the law firm Hinkle, Cox, Eaton, Coffield and Hensley in Amarillo, Texas, becoming a partner two years later. In 1992, she joined Mason & Hanger Corporation as an environmental attorney where she ultimately became lead counsel, overseeing 2 other attorneys and 5 staffers and having a notable history of favorable jury trials. At home, Karen provided a loving home for countless dogs, cats and horses. After retiring, she competed in dressage with her beloved horse, Ehren. She had a great sense of humor and always kept everyone entertained with her stories. She was predeceased by her parents, her sister Lois Jane Gully, and brother Darrel Schallenberger. She is survived by her nieces, Shelly Marmion, Becky DuBois, and Cynthia Alves, her nephews J. Scott Schallenberger and Kim Schallenberger and their respective families. She is survived also by two great friends, Susan Steen and Susan Heady, who made sure her last years were as good as they could be. She was a wonderful friend to so many, giving to each just what was needed.