Elizabeth Karen Rideout

Elizabeth “Karen” Rideout, 82, of Tampa, passed away on Friday, September 18, 2026. She was born in Highland Park, Michigan to Leo and Tina Velasquez. She is preceded in death by her husband, Butch; parents, Leo and Tina; sister, Louise; brother, Jerry; and grandson, Nicholas.

When Karen was young, she and her family moved to Tampa to be close to her grandparents. It was there that she met and later married Butch Rideout. Together, they raised their son, Christopher.

In 1985, Karen and Butch opened Frames & Things, a successful picture frame shop and art gallery in North Tampa. Their business brought many wonderful people into their lives whom they enjoyed spending time with outside of the frame shop. After 20 years in business, they retired and began a new chapter of their lives together.

Retirement gave Karen and Butch even more time to enjoy one of the things they loved most – traveling. They camped all over the United States and traveled to Europe, oftentimes, with family and close friends. Their adventures created countless memories, laughter, and stories that would be shared for years to come.

Karen was fun-loving, warmhearted, and had a remarkable ability to make everyone she met feel like a friend. She had a generous and giving spirit and would do anything she could to help someone in need.

She loved her family with all her heart, and her grandson, Colt, was the apple of her eye. She treasured the time they spent together and was incredibly proud to be an integral part of his life. Karen was also blessed by the love of her daughter-in-law, Laurie, and Laurie’s family, whom she loved dearly and who loved her in return.

Karen is survived by her son, Christopher; daughter-in-law, Laurie; grandson, Colt; and many beloved cousins, family members, and friends. She will be deeply missed.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 10, 2026, from 2:00pm-4:00pm at the Chester H. Ferguson Law Center, located at 1610 North Tampa Street, Tampa, FL 33602.