On May 25, 2025, Karla Yvette Key Lynn went to live in heaven where her body is whole again and she is no longer sick or in pain.
Karla lived most of her life in McAllen, TX. Growing up, she spent her days playing the piano, guitar, and dancing for Doria Avila. She graduated from McAllen High School in 1972 at the age of 16, where alongside her academics she played clarinet in the band.
After graduation, she briefly attended Pan American University but found her love of banking while working at McAllen State Bank.
A few years later, she decided to move to Houston with a friend where she met her husband and had two beautiful children, Vanessa and Erik. Even though the marriage didn’t work, Karla decided to move back to McAllen to continue raising her kids with the support system of the Valley and her mother and uncle.
She was a wonderful mother, and even though some times were tougher than others, her children never went without their needs and most wants being met. She dove back into banking and built a loving home around her family, attending piano recitals, karate practice, soccer games, football games, band concerts, and livestock shows. Her plate was always full, but she was always at every event for her kids.
Once they graduated, the travel bug took over and she found a passion for Las Vegas, one she passed on to her daughter. She loved the history of the city, the architecture and lights, the landmarks, the shows and museums, and yes, she even hit the tables. (Her game of choice was Let it Ride.)
She eventually left the world of banking and found a second work passion in customer service, working first at Convergys and finally T-Mobile. She made wonderful lifelong friends working for these companies and, along with many friends in tow, made multiple trips to Sin City, showing them there was so much more to the destination.
At the end though, trips to her favorite place came to an end when she was diagnosed with Stage 3 Inflammatory Breast Cancer. Karla fought long and hard for over four years, but eventually, it took its toll on her body. Her passions never wavered though. She kept up with all the shows, new locations, and casinos, and fell in love with hockey when the Las Vegas Golden Knights were established in 2017. (Another passion she passed along to her daughter.)
All funds raised will go towards helping Vanessa and Erik with her final expenses. Thank you for finding it in your heart to give.