Theresa Karls-Ewen

I am married to one of Theresa's nephews, Gary Wambeke. We were over visiting Billings and had stopped by Theresa's and Bob's to say hi. Another of her nieces was there too and kinda getting a little above her raisin'. Theresa looked at her and told in not so many words that she should remember where she came from. I laughed later with Gary and told him I knew now where his attitude came from.

When I was teaching at Billings Central, I could always count on a warm smile from this lovely lady. She was kind, classy, and smart. I know she made a lasting impact on all of her wonderful children.

With deepest sympathy to the family. Certainly loosing a loved one is hard to bear. We miss them in our lives. A scripture that has helped me cope with loss is John 5:28,29. Here Jesus promises "the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out ". That promise of a resurrection assures us that he wants to reunite us with our loved ones again.

Mrs. Karls had such amazing grace! Growing up, I did not think of her a widow, but as a mother who moved through her day with diligence, kindness, and purpose. For Fratt kids, she was part of the fabric of our days, as I recall she often attended the 8 a.m. weekday Mass, served our lunches in the church basement, and in high school, monitored our attendance and other activities with her quiet surveillance at Billings Central. We wouldn't dream of being tardy or returning from an absence without a note for Mrs. Karls. She could be found at all after school events, supporting her own and others' kids from the bleachers. I realize now how very busy she must have been, working and raising eight children, but she never seemed in a rush or disorganized, always poised and peaceful. I saw her a year or so ago, and thought she would not recognize me after 40 years, but of course she did! and I was amazed to find her practically unchanged by those decades. She had the same familiar smile that started in her eyes and spread to her whole face, that I remembered from my youth and still see in her children. Go in peace, Mrs. Karls. Jenifer Sheehy

I didn't see Theresa often but she was always there when our families got together and Theresa always had a big smile and a chuckle adding joy to these events. I remember going camping with her and how she loved to interact with everyone and was full of energy making it fun for us all! I know she influenced so many people in such a positive way and held her head high with no complaints when enduring her own hurts and struggles. She was a true role model.