Karla Hyde Toben

DOTHAN…Mrs. Karla Marie Toben (née Hyde), beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully early Thursday morning, November 6, 2025, at her home in Dothan. She was 71 years old.

Karla was born on September 29, 1954, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Jack Kelley Hyde and Eunice Jean Hyde. She grew up in Ozark, Alabama, where her bright spirit quickly made her someone people were drawn to. A proud 1972 graduate of Carroll High School, Karla was voted “Most School Spirited”—a fitting reflection of her joyful personality and gift for making others smile. It was also at Carroll High where she met the love of her life, Bill Toben. Together, they shared more than fifty-two beautiful years of marriage, building a life full of wonderful memories and deep devotion to family, often with music playing and laughter echoing through the house.

More than anything else, Karla loved being a mom. Her sons, Cullen and Kelley, were the center of her world, and she poured her heart into raising them. She taught them to be kind, to work hard, to laugh often, and to appreciate life’s simple joys. Her steady love was the center of their family, and her guidance continues to shape their lives.

Karla’s compassion reached far beyond her home. She dedicated her life to caring for others through her work in nursing and education. After earning an Associate’s Degree from Wallace Community College, a Bachelor’s Degree from Troy University Dothan, and a Master’s Degree from Auburn University at Montgomery, she served as a Registered Nurse and Clinical Educator at Southeast Health in Dothan. Later, she shared her expertise and passion for nursing with students at Wallace Community College and Troy University.

Karla was truly the life of the party—full of quick wit, easy laughter, and a knack for making everyone feel welcome. She loved to travel, explore new places, and never missed a chance to enjoy music or catch a great concert. A woman of faith, Karla was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Ozark. She will be remembered for her kind heart, her unwavering love for family, and the undeniable light she brought to every room.

Karla is survived by her husband, Bill Toben of Dothan; her sons, Cullen Toben (Annie) of Portland, Oregon, and Kelley Toben of Dothan; her siblings, Jack Hyde (Janice) of San Angelo, Texas, Paula Kahn (Rich) of Tampa, Florida, Karen Reid (James) of Grand Bay, Alabama, Chris Hyde (Tammy) of Ozark, and Kathy Wolfe (Dave) of Panama City, Florida; three treasured grandchildren, AlleyKate Marie Toben, Charlee Olivia Toben, and Abby Marie Toben, with another precious granddaughter on the way; as well as many nieces, nephews, and dear friends who will miss her deeply.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Ozark with Father Chris Boutin officiating. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, November 12, from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. at Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home in Ozark.

Serving as active pallbearers will be Cullen Toben, Kelley Toben, Chris Hyde, Jared Kahn, D.J. Hyde, and J.C. Hyde.