Karen Ruth Nylin, née Baugher, passed away on August 4, 2024, at the age of 80 in Houston, Texas. She was born on November 18, 1943, in Chicago, Illinois, to parents Howie and Jane Baugher. Karen grew up alongside her siblings, Pidge and Ladd. She pursued her passion for art at the Ringling School of Art in Clearwater, Florida, and the National Academy of Art in Chicago, becoming proficient in watercolors, sketching, and pastels.

Karen moved to El Lago, Texas, in 1973 with her first husband, Tom, and their sons, Todd and Bret. She worked at Singer Link for ten years as a graphic artist and proposal coordinator. In 1983, Karen married Roger Nylin, and together they traveled extensively, visiting numerous countries and attending shuttle launches as guests of local astronauts. Her career continued in the aerospace industry where she excelled as a proposal coordinator and graphic artist. Karen’s hobbies included art, needlepoint, traveling, and showcasing her creative spirit and zest for life.

She is survived by her husband, Roger Nylin; son, Bret Merchant; granddaughter, Kirstie Guido and her husband, Nick Guido; great-grandchildren, Anniston and Milo; stepdaughter, Tracey Shafer and her daughter, Samantha Shafer. Karen was preceded in death by her sister, Pidge Baugher; son, Todd Merchant; grandson, Ryne Merchant; and her parents.

Memorial services are not planned at this time. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the American Kidney Foundation in Karen’s name. Crowder Funeral Home in Webster, Texas, is assisting the family with arrangements.

Karen’s vivacious personality, raucous laugh, and artistic talents will be dearly missed by her many friends and loved ones.