In Loving Memory

Karen Denice Watkins

On Tuesday, March 12th, 2024, our beloved Karen Denice Watkins graduated peacefully from this mortal life after bravely facing a 4-year battle with cancer. She was surrounded by the warmth of her family in the comfort of her home in Colville, Washington, at the age of nearly 69. Karen, a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, sister, auntie, and friend, leaves behind a legacy of love, service, and unwavering faith.

Born on March 27, 1955, in Ellensburg, Washington, to Myrna Loy and Donal LeRoy Pugh, Karen's life was a tapestry of love and dedication. She graduated from Thorp High School in 1973 before embarking on adventures that would shape her future. It was in British Columbia, Canada, where she encountered the love of her life, John Raymond Watkins, a dashing cowboy whom she married on May 17, 1975, surrounded by the scenic beauty of her family's farm in Kittitas, Washington.

Karen and John were blessed with two absolutely gorgeous redhead, freckle-faced children, Heather Denice and John Christopher, who brought immense joy into their lives. Together, they found solace and purpose in their faith, embracing the teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. In 1983, they were sealed together as a family for eternity, uniting their hearts in everlasting love and devotion at the Seattle Temple.

Throughout her life, Karen's nurturing spirit extended beyond her family as she dedicated over two decades to the Colville School District, touching the lives of countless children with care and compassion. Her commitment to education was matched only by her devotion to her faith community, where she served selflessly in various capacities, bringing comfort to the aged, widowed, and sick.

Karen's love for nature was evident in her vibrant garden, where she found solace and tranquility among the blooms and foliage. Her green thumb and nurturing touch were a testament to her nurturing nature, reflecting her innate ability to cultivate beauty and growth in every aspect of her life.

Karen's zest for life extended to her love of sports, particularly softball and volleyball, which she enjoyed passionately until her 40s, leaving behind cherished memories of camaraderie and friendly competition on the field.

Karen's legacy of service, kindness, and unwavering faith will forever be cherished by her devoted husband of nearly 49 years, John Raymond Watkins, her loving children, Heather Denice Thornton and John Christopher Watkins (Kristen), and her adoring grandchildren, Kayla, Cameron, Emily, Emma Lee, Ethan, and Johnny. She is also survived by her sisters, Debra Ellen Pugh, Darla Mae Strasbaugh (Dean), Dawn Lee Christie (Lawrence), and her stepbrothers, James Dean Schwab (Kathy) and Paul Michael Schwab (Marilyn) and their families.

As we bid farewell to Karen, we find solace in the memories she leaves behind and the lives she touched with her boundless love and compassion. May her spirit continue to guide and inspire us as we carry her legacy of love forward in our hearts.

A celebration of Karen's life will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Colville, Washington on Saturday, March 30th at 11 am, where family and friends will come together to honor her memory and share stories of her remarkable life. In lieu of flower arrangements, the family would welcome any plants, flowers, trees, or even vegetables that they can put in her yard and garden in her honor.

Forever in our hearts, Karen will be dearly missed but never forgotten, her legacy of love shining brightly in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.   Please visit the online memorial and sign Karen's guestbook at danekasfuneralchapel.com.  Danekas Funeral Chapel is entrusted with her care.