Karyl Thies

Karyl Lynne (Schneider) Thies passed away on Sunday, February 22, 2026 at the age of 73 in Arizona. Karyl will be remembered for her kindness, beauty (inside and out), and love of family and friends. Karyl had a feeling of warmth about her and was the light in any room. She relished life and filled hers with wonderful and diverse experiences.

Karyl was born on May 2, 1952, to Maurice and Naomi Schneider in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. She was the youngest of three children. Her brother Richard (Bonnie) Schneider was the oldest, and her sister Cynthia (Don) Ruwald was the middle child and Karyl’s lifelong best friend. Karyl grew up in Denver, Colorado where she graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School. As a teenager, she competed in the Miss Eastside Denver Beauty Pageant and won the title.

As an adult, Karyl lived in Nebraska, Ohio, and Kansas before coming home to Colorado in 1986 to raise her three children (Ian Anderson, Jennifer (Robert) Dorsey, and John (Gina) Anderson) in Woodland Park. Karyl was a skilled optician, working at Lens Crafters, Monument Vision Clinic, and Chapel Hills Vision Clinic for many years before retiring in 2015. During this time Karyl also volunteered in Honduras, helping to select properly fitted donated glasses for locals in need. It was at work on a day in 1996 that Karyl met Ralph Thies, who would become the great love of her life. They married on April 24, 1998. Karyl graciously welcomed Ralph’s two children (Michelle Klann, and John (Kate) Thies) into her life.

Karyl appreciated all that life had to offer and loved to explore. She was naturally curious, and pursued enrichment throughout her life. She respected culture and history, and she and Ralph shared many adventures travelling across the globe. Over the years, they toured the U.S. and Canada on many extended RV trips, and cruised the world visiting places like Mexico, Europe, The Caribbean, Australia, and New Zealand. She especially loved seeing different types of architecture and visiting museums and historical sites while travelling.

Karyl delighted in fun - or perhaps it delighted in her - and she continuously managed to uncover it whether in Colorado or Arizona, where she and Ralph spent the winter months. Her outgoing and vibrant personality led her to fit in anywhere and everywhere. Karyl’s inherent knack for making friends was uncanny, and she was adored by all who knew her. She had a beautiful smile, infectious laugh, and vibrant soul, which were all perfectly reflected by the bright colors she loved to wear. She had a notable sense of style, always looking picturesque, and perfectly pairing clothing with her many favorite accessories. In her later years, Karyl brightened her days by bedazzling her fancy red rollator with festive blinking lights.

Karyl participated in many social groups such as Red Hat Club, Tri-Lakes Cruisers car club, Lyons Club, and Bunco, and was dedicated to her bible studies. She enjoyed home decorating projects, driving her Mustang convertible, and jaunts for ice cream in the hot rod with Ralph. Karyl was always up for a challenge and for learning something new like genealogy, sewing, quilting, and cross stitching. Karyl loved to shop, gab on the phone for hours with her loved ones, and spend time with her family and many friends.

Karyl, along with Ralph, especially loved to host barbeques for their family during the summer months, and treat everyone to a Rocky Mountain Vibes baseball game. Karyl was passionate and intentional about spending time with her nine grandchildren (Jordan, Madison, Zachary, Malachi, Breagan, Cody, Kayla, Gavin, and Donovan) and establishing a special connection with each of them. They cherished Grammy, and she will always have a special place in their hearts.

Karyl was many things during her lifetime, including a daughter, sister, mother, wife, aunt, grandmother, and dear friend. But more than anything, she was loved beyond words. We are so blessed to have had Karyl in our lives, and to have known her warm heart. Her bright light will shine in our hearts forever.

A celebration of life will be planned for the spring of 2026 in Colorado, and another in the fall of 2026 in Arizona.