Karen Lee Pontiff

August 24, 1956 - August 9, 2020

Mrs. Karen Lee Pontiff, 63, of Tyler, Texas passed away Sunday, August 9, 2020. She was born August 24, 1956 in Ridgecrest, California to Frankie Joe Scott and Euva Lee Crump Scott. After moving to Texas as a teenager, Karen graduated from high school in Victoria and later attended Texas State Technical College in Waco. She met Bruce Pontiff in Tyler, and they were married for 41 years. Prior to settling permanently in Tyler, they lived a short time in Louisiana, Mississippi, and various places in Texas. She was crazy about her husband “B” and her daughter Jessica. For over 25 years, Karen worked as a dental assistant for Dr. Raymon Hooper DDS in Tyler. She was raised in the Methodist Church and maintained a strong religious conviction throughout her life. Karen was known for having a deep love and concern for family and animals. She was resourceful, independent and always maintained a positive attitude. Gardening and tending to her flowers and plants brought her great joy. Her cooking also brought others great joy. She loved to laugh and listen to the laughter of others, especially Elissa. Karen was preceded in death by her father, Frankie Joe Scott. She is survived by her loving family including her husband, Bruce Gerrard Pontiff; daughter, Jessica Lee Pontiff; son-in-law, Eric Baird Nelson; granddaughter, Elissa Marilee Nelson; and her mother, Euva Lee Scott. She is also survived by brothers Gerald and Dennis Scott and their spouses and children. Visitation is scheduled from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. on Monday, August 17, 2020 at Stewart Family Funeral Home, 7525 Old Jacksonville Highway, in Tyler, to be followed by a service in the Stewart Family Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Sherman Mayfield officiating. Afterward, burial will take place at Holly Springs Cemetery near Martins Mill, Texas. If desired, memorials may be made to Pets Fur People, 1823 CR 386, Tyler, TX 75708; East Texas SPCA, P.O. Box 132899, Tyler, TX 75713; or an organization of your choice supporting the health and wellbeing of animals.