KAREN L APPLETON

Karen Lynn Appleton (Hancock), age 76, passed away peacefully on January 19, 2026, at her home, surrounded by the love and presence of her family. She was born and raised in Cameron, Missouri, to Fred and Lois Hancock. Karen graduated from Cameron High School. On June 2, 1967, she married Dub (Taylor) Graybill, and together they welcomed two children, Koll and Toni.

They lived throughout northwest Missouri and southwest Iowa, working on ranches before moving to Buffalo in the summer of 1982, where Karen worked at Buffalo Feeders.

In October of 1985, Karen married Darrel Appleton, and through this marriage she gained two sons, Darren Appleton and Dale Appleton. Karen later worked at the Greenlight Auto and Oklahoma State Bank before retiring to help Darrel with the farm and ranch.

Karen loved all her animals. She not only raised cattle but also horses, dogs, and even cats. Later in life, her cats, her chickens, and her loyal dog Brutus were her daily companions.

Karen was a member of Protection Christian Church in Protection, Kansas.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Lois Hancock, and by her husband, Darrel Appleton.

She is survived by her children: Koll (Becky) Graybill of Copeland, KS; Toni (Matt) Lynch of Buffalo, OK; Darren (Alinda) Appleton of Drummond, OK; and Dale Appleton of Chelsea, OK.

Karen is also survived by her grandchildren: Kyle (Michelle), KT, Callie (Raul), Jared, Kalie, Brianna, Tailor, Tashia, Jaxson, Hannah, Ty, Lacey, Dawson (Kylie), and Mason, along with many great‑grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends who loved her dearly.

She is further survived by her sister, Kay Dunham, and husband, John.

Funeral services will be held 1:30PM Saturday January 31, 2026 at the First Christian Church in Buffalo, Oklahoma,

with burial to follow at Willow Creek Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to ACG Hospice, or to the Woof Rescue in Woodward, or a charity of the donor’s choice in her memory.