Rusk loses beloved high school librarian Mize to COVID

RUSK – A beloved high school librarian who was part Rusk High School’s credit recovery program died Sept. 9 following a COVID-19-based illness.

Karen Elaine Mize, 61, was hired by the local school district during the 2018-19 school year as a librarian, but was named as one of the school’s proctors over the credit recovery program, said Principal Ronny Snow.

“That is where her biggest impact with kids was – she worked with students behind on credits to get their requirements for graduation. That was her niche, and she had some real special relationships with students because of that,” he said.

The district held a moment of silence for Mize at the Sept. 10 football game against Palestine, and brought in extra counselors to the campus for students in need of grief counseling.

Mize became an educator in recent years, having worked in a different capacity prior to her hire by RISD, Snow said.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Bennie and Aileen Mize, and leaves behind several sisters, nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 1-2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 16, followed by a 2 p.m. funeral service at Knesek Brothers Funeral Chapel, 1140 Meyer St. in Sealy, west of Houston. Interment will be held at Wallis City Cemetery.

Snow said a group of district employees are planning to attend services in Sealy. Additionally, the district is attempting to set up remote coverage of the service for those unable to attend, he added.

Memorials may be made to the Rusk High School Athletic Booster Club or the Brazos High School Athletic Booster Club.