Karen Bearden Diller

Karen Bearden Diller, 80, peacefully passed into Heaven on December 17, 2025, surrounded by the family and friends she loved so much. With many beautiful memories to share, visitation will be held at First Baptist Church in Baird, Texas on Saturday, ​December 27, 2025, from 1 p.m. until ​2 p.m. with funeral services immediately following at the church beginning at ​2:15 p.m. with Pastor David Acevedo officiating. 
Born on September 26, 1945, to Frank and Madge Bearden, Karen was a cherished daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, friend and devoted teacher.  She dedicated her life to shaping minds and nurturing hearts in her family, with friends, and as a teacher.  After graduating from Baird High School, where she was a state basketball champion in 1964, Karen attended college at Texas Tech University receiving a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. For 40-plus years, she served as a beloved school teacher in the local area, where her patience, wisdom, and passion for learning inspired generations of students. Her classroom was more than a place of lessons—it was a safe haven of encouragement, laughter, and growth.  She often encouraged students to “put themselves in the other person’s shoes” as a lesson of empathy towards others.
Karen’s greatest joy was her family. She met the love of her life, Samuel Diller III, on a blind date in 1969. They later married and were together for 49 years until his passing in April 2017.  Karen and Sam raised their family in Baird and also made many cherished memories on the family ranch in Moran, whether it was riding horses, working cattle, harvesting, or just enjoying the bluebonnets.  Karen was a proud mother and doting 'Granmom and KK' to seven grandchildren who brought light to her every day. She loved celebrating their milestones with the same enthusiasm she once reserved for report cards and school plays. They always knew they could call her for anything.
Known for her sparkling blue eyes, warm smile, and endless supply of conversation, Karen had a gift for making everyone feel seen and valued.  You never questioned if she loved you, you just knew.  She was surrounded by a close-knit circle of lifelong friends who felt like family, many of whom were also her former colleagues.  We know they'll miss her greatly. 
Always a very stylish person, Karen loved trips to Abilene to go shopping for the family and friends. She was an avid Texas Tech fan and loved singing the Raiders fight song during football games with guns up!  As many will know, she was most famous for was telling colorful stories with safety warnings in them, which she could weave into any story - her favorite being 'watch for snakes!'  Her wisdom and warnings will be fondly passed on for generations to come.  Karen was also a bit of a history buff, with the walls of her home lined with family photos and decades of collectibles, especially if it involved Indian culture or a good outlaw mystery.  Her grandmother Mimi was said to have caught the eye of Cole Younger, part of Jesse James's Quantrill's Raiders, which sparked her curiosity and love of history.  She enjoyed sharing the history she uncovered with her grandchildren.  Strong in her faith, she followed in her mother Madge's footsteps as a lifelong member of the First Baptist Church in Baird, where she shared many fond memories with family and friends.
In these last years, Karen had many special people surrounding her and providing her care. Our family would like to express our deepest heartfelt appreciation to the caregivers who treated her like their own. We're very grateful for you.
Karen is survived by her brother Taber Bearden (nephew and niece Todd and Melissa); brother Tommy Bearden; and children Andrea Leigh, (grandchildren Caillin and Britt), son Link Diller (grandchildren London, Lakyn & Leif), and son Sage Diller and wife Toni (grandchildren Brighton and Crew);  and a wide circle of long-life friends, former students and a community who will miss her beautiful spirit and warm smile.
She is preceded in death by both parents: father Frank Bearden and mother Madge Bearden of Baird, Texas, and husband, Samuel Diller III, of Baird, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, we thank you for any donations made in her memory to Meals on Wheels, Baird, Texas, or the First Baptist Church, Baird, Texas. 
Karen taught us all how to live with kindness—and how to leave the world a much brighter place.