Karie Elizabeth Best

Karie Elizabeth (Olney) Best, 80, of Abilene, went to be with her heavenly father on Friday, November 27, 2015. Karie passed away at her home surrounded by her family after an extended battle with lung disease. Services will be on Wednesday, December 2nd, at 2:00 pm at Pioneer Drive Baptist Church. Rev. Jack Ridlehoover and Dr. Jeff Reid will officiate. Burial will follow at Elliott-Hamil Garden of Memories. Visitation will be on Tuesday, December 1st, 2015, from 5:30 pm–7:30 pm at Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap. Karie was born in Abilene, TX in 1935 to Eugene and Myrtle Olney. She attended high school in Noodle, TX where she enjoyed playing on the basketball team. She moved to Abilene after graduation and started work at Abilene Candy, where she met the love of her life, Jim Best. They were happily married for over 57 years. She also worked at Kuykendall Office Machines and at Jim’s State Farm Insurance agency. Karie and Jim were active members of Pioneer Drive Baptist Church since 1960, where Karie was extremely involved in many activities, including choir, the senior adult ministry, and her Sunday School Class, the "Love" Class. Karie and Jim loved to travel and nothing thrilled her more than an impromptu trip, especially to the mountains in Colorado. She loved the breathtaking scenery, and she and Jim would often plan trips to coincide with being able to enjoy the fall foliage. She was passionate in her love for her family, both immediate and extended, and had a special place in her heart for her grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Jim Best, her parents, sisters Dorothy Scales and Betty Ruth Brown, and brothers Joe Mankin and R.W. Mankin. She is survived by two daughters, Deena Lyssy and husband Dennis, of Abilene, Michele Mangum and husband Matt, of Pflugerville. She is also survived by grandchildren Kayla Lyssy Smith and husband Christopher, Krysta Lyssy, Noah Mangum, and Micah Mangum. Karie is also survived by brother Larry Olney and wife Ramona of Hawley, sister Marilyn Grant of Abilene, brother Jerry Olney and wife Carla of Hamlin, sister Mary and husband James of San Angelo, brother James Mankin and wife Dora of El Dorado. Surviving sisters-in-law are Linda Eldredge of Haltom City, Donna Bradford and husband Steve of Pilot Point, Anita Cannon and husband Calvin of Broken Arrow, OK, Janie Littrell and husband Brooks of Guyman, OK. Surviving brothers-in-law are W.T. Stapler of Abilene and Conrad Boerner of Pilot Point. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be Kevin Olney, Danny Olney, Terry Grant, Brent Fine, Tim McPherson, and Landon Fine. The family wishes to extend special thanks to Pathways at Hendrick and Hendrick Hospice Care. Memorials may be made in honor of Karie Best to Hendrick Hospice Care or the Pioneer Drive Baptist Church food pantry. Her loved ones will forever carry many fond memories of her in their hearts. She will be deeply missed.