Karen Ann Gilstrap

JULY 15, 1970 – NOVEMBER 4, 2021

Karen Ann Gilstrap July 15, 1970 - November 4, 2021. Beloved wife, mother, sister, and friend, left this earth November 4, 2021, after a courageous battle for her life. Family and friends were by her side when her battle ended, and she went to loved ones waiting to receive her.

Karen was born on July 15, 1970, as Karen Ann Crabtree at Riverside Community Hospital. She grew up and lived her life in Riverside where she attended elementary School through graduation. She met Thomas Gilstrap in 1985 and they married in 1988.

Her life was filled with love for family and friends and a zest for accomplishing any dream she set before herself. She and her husband Tom built a successful construction business and watched it flourish. Karen ran the family business while raising her life's true joy, her children, Stephen and Ryan (“my boys” as she called them).

Karen will be especially remembered for her love and caring ways, her spirit of adventure, and the tenaciousness that allowed her to attain achievement in any of her endeavors. Material things were not important to Karen, her love of family and friends were her main priority. She loved Hockey and the desert environment where she and Tom built a home in the desert looking forward to their retirement.

We will miss her bright smile and the love we all shared. She will live within our hearts and continue to guide us for all our lives. Karen is survived by her husband of 34 years, Thomas Gilstrap, her sons Stephen and Ryan Gilstrap, father Paul Crabtree, brother Michael Crabtree, niece and nephew Jessica and Josh Crabtree, brother and sister-in-law Joe and Tina Gilstrap. She is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, and very dear friends.

Karen was preceded in death by her mother Sharron Kay Crabtree, her father in-law James Gilstrap, and grandparents Loyd and Evia Lambeth.

A Celebration of Life will be held in the near future.