Karen Kay Johnson

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Karen Kay Johnson was born October 15, 1950 to Leslie and Edna Jemmett. She was raised in a loving family with five sisters and one brother. Karen fondly recalled caring for her brother Donnie, who was ill and passed away in childhood. Her sisters: Bev, Gail, Dorothy, Sandy, and Chris became her lifelong friends, confidants, and support system.

Karen graduated from Blackfoot High School and received an Associate’s Degree from Rick’s College. She met Garth Johnson at a church activity for single adults and they were married January 5th, 1980. They were sealed for time and all eternity in the Idaho Falls Temple on December 3rd, 1982. Garth’s two daughters, JoLynn and Cheryl, were quickly joined by four more siblings: Shawn, Justin, Nik, and Keiza, making them a busy family of eight. Karen loved being a mother and took great joy in watching her children grow. Her son describes her as a mom to his entire “high school gang”, always feeding them and putting up with the noise and craziness. Karen’s motherly love extended to her daughters-in-law, Julie and Fran, who she welcomed and embraced as her own.

 The only thing that Karen loved as much as being a mother was being a Grandma. She spent hours snuggling her precious grandbabies as they slept. She could be described as a bit of a baby hog, usually taking Grandpa’s turn until the babies were old enough to play with. As the grandkids got older she loved to brag about their hobbies and interests.

Karen worked in many different jobs throughout her life. She started working as an Administrative Assistant at West Middle School in Nampa in 1991. She retired in 2021 after thirty years of service. She had many friends at West Middle School and Nampa School District. She valued these friends and colleagues and recalled them fondly even after retirement.

Karen had many hobbies. She was an avid seamstress and made quilts for each of her children and grandchildren. She loved to paint and learn new crafts. She was passionate about cooking and trying new foods and recipes. You knew you were a real friend when you were blessed with some of her homemade peanut butter cups, peppermint patties, or other goodies.

Karen passed away December 1st, 2024 in Twin Falls, Idaho after a brief illness. Her family would like to thank everyone for their thoughts, prayers, and well-wishes.. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, December 6, 2024 at the Jackson Ward building of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Rupert. Viewing for family and friends will be held at 9:30 a.m., prior to the service. Services will conclude with burial at the Minidoka Acequia Rupert Cemetery under the direction of Joel Heward Hansen Mortuary.

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