Karen Ryals, age 66 and a resident of Jackson LA, was born October 6, 1952 to Shirley Helen Behrnes, Howard Chappell and James Roy “Skint” Behrnes in Huntington, WV. She passed away November 14, 2018 with her family by her side. She is survived by her husband, James Rufus Ryals of Jackson, LA, one daughter, Carolyn Allen and son in law, Michael Allen. A granddaughter, Ashton Allen Rogers and grandson in law, Matthew Rogers. 2 great grandsons, James Elijah Rogers and Liam Michael Rogers all of Jackson. She also leaves behind her beloved dog, Bailey. She is also survived by a brother, Gregory Michael Behrnes and wife, April of Jackson, 5 half-brothers, Byron, Donnie, Kenneth, Kevin and Randy Chappell, 1 half-sister, Cindy Chappell Roberts all of Wisner. Karen is preceded in death by her parents, Shirley Helen Behrnes, James Roy Behrnes, Howard Chappell, and second husband, John King Wood. Karen was a 1970 graduate of Gilbert High School in Gilbert, LA and a member of Second Baptist Church in Jackson, LA. Visitation will be on Monday, Nov. 19, 2018 at Ethel Baptist Church from 10am until service at 12pm conducted by Rev. Ed Jelks. Burial will be in Plank Road Cemetery, Slaughter.

Karen took great pride in her many titles, weather it be daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, wife, friend or mother, but her most cherished will always be “Nanna”.

To send flowers to the family of Karen Behrnes Wood Ryals, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.