Thelma Marie (Crowl) Karlin

Surrounded by loved ones, Thelma "Sam" Marie Karlin, 77, went home to Heaven on Saturday, September 7, 2013. A Valentine's Day baby, she was born to Charles Raymond and Frankie Thelma Crowl on February 14, 1936, in Claremore, Oklahoma.

Sam married Ronald L. Karlin on August 16, 1972. Their marriage exemplified true love and devotion. It was at each other's sides that they both worked and played.

After owning and operating the Aztec A and W for many years, Sam and Ron retired and moved on to the next phase of their lives together as volunteers for MMAP (Mobile Missionary Assistance Program). Sam loved the life they often shared with their friends of traveling the country in their motor home. She enjoyed their work on MMAP assignments, not only for the opportunity to meet the needs of others, but also for the fellowship of the many new friends they made along the way.

Sam was a member of the Aztec United Methodist Church. She was also a member of Beta Sigma Phi. Special memories of her sorority days include many fun times with friends, and dances with her husband, Ron.

Many summers were spent at the lake where Sam enjoyed fishing, reading, playing games, listening to music, but most of all she enjoyed the activities and company of her family and friends in her "marina neighborhood".

Sam loved her family so very much, from her own grandmother during her childhood to her anxiously anticipated newest great-grandson, due to arrive in October. Her life set an example of love, faith, courage, strong morals, and hard work. "Baby", "Mama", "Granny", "Sam" left much for us to aspire to.

We are sad for the moments not yet shared, but thankful for all that were. Sam was missed before she was even gone, but as her five-year-old great-granddaughter, Reisi said, "Don't be sad, it's okay, you will see her again".

Sam is survived by her husband, Ronald L. Karlin, sons, Marc Clark and Debbie Hodges, of Farmington, Jeff Karlin and wife, Terri, of Goodyear, AZ; daughters, Vicki Reddy and husband, Jamey, of Aztec; Tammy Weigel and husband, Perry, of Hays, KS; brother, Frankie Donald Crowl, of Overland Park, KS; 8 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and her special, beloved companion, "Precious".

She was preceded in death by her parents, brother, Charles William Crowl, and sister, Rae Dena Unruh.

A service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 24th at the Aztec United Methodist Church with Pastor Jeff Symonds officiating. Family and friends are invited to gather for lunch immediately following the service at the St. Joseph's Parish Hall in Aztec. Interment will follow at Memory Gardens in Farmington.

In lieu of flowers, Sam would be pleased to have donations made to the Salvation Army.

Sam's family would like to express their sincerest gratitude to all their friends for their support through visits, calls, cards, flowers, food, love and prayers.

Sam's care is entrusted to Cope Memorial, 405 S. Main St. in Aztec, New Mexico, 505-334-9332.