Karen Marie Williams

Karen Marie Williams passed away on October 26, 2022 at her home surrounded by loved ones. She was born in Grand Junction, Colorado, October 12, 1935 to Walter and Millicent Stout. She had one younger brother, Walter, (known as Speed) who preceded her in death in August of 2020.

In Karen’s early years, she helped her parents raise peaches in the Grand Valley, went to school and studied music. She became an accomplished pianist and also played saxophone in the high school marching band.

After graduating from Central High School, Karen attended college at Colorado State University earning her degree in Sociology. During college, she met the love of her life, Dan Williams, on a blind date. They were married September 15, 1956. They completed their senior year at CSU and graduated in the spring of 1957. Soon thereafter, Dan accepted a post with the US Forest Service in Albuquerque, NM.

Karen and Dan welcomed their first child into the world, Barbara (Bobbi) Jo in August of 1957. They were only in Albuquerque for a year before being transferred to Springerville, AZ. They moved again the following year to Wilcox, AZ, where they welcomed their second daughter, Patricia Lynn in 1960, and two years later their youngest daughter Sandra Kay in 1962. The Williams family had a happy life even with all the moving. If anything, it made them closer. The family moved back to Albuquerque in 1963 and six years later during the summer of 1969 they transferred to Tallahassee. Moving to Florida from the Rocky Mountains was like moving to a foreign country; however, Karen was resourceful and took cans of green chili and enchilada sauce in order to make tacos and burritos (standard fare in the Williams household) because the grocery stores there didn’t carry them. Karen was an excellent cook, always providing nourishing dishes for her family.

After 2 years in Florida, the family moved to Texas for a year, and then returned to their home state of Colorado. It didn’t last long; 3 years later they were transferred to John Day, OR. They stayed in Oregon 3 years, finally moving back to Colorado, settling in Lakewood. During many of those years and in many of those towns, Karen played piano and later, also the organ, for the churches that the family belonged to. She loved music and passed that love down to her girls and her grandchildren. Karen was also a very creative crafter and seamstress and sewed quilts for many members of her family.

Karen and Dan loved to travel and go camping. They loved inviting friends, family, and whoever wanted to go. Every trip was a celebration with taco parties, a steak night, hiking and fishing, and glorious campfires. Mom was the work force behind all of it. Her favorite place was Grand Mesa on the western slope of Colorado, as she’d gone there all of her childhood, making it a traditional spot to take her family and share her love of its surroundings.

Karen was a devoted Broncos fan and especially enjoyed the John Elway era back when they would actually win. She watched or listened to every game often in the company of family. She also enjoyed afternoons playing bridge and learning the game with a small group of friends and looked forward to their monthly gatherings.

Karen was devastated after Dan passed away in 2013 after fighting cancer for nearly 2 years. One year later, Karen was diagnosed with cancer and fought it bravely without complaining for 8 years.

More than anything in the world, Karen loved her family and was incredibly proud of them all. She’d always say” I have the best family.”

She is survived by her 3 daughters, Bobbi Muhovich, (Jon) of Grand Junction, Patti Thompson, of Lakewood, and Sandi Swayne (Jesse) of Lakewood, 6 grandchildren, Tony Muhovich, Tim Muhovich, Nichole (Thompson) Rose, Rachelle (Thompson) Stubby, Jerrick Swayne and Josh Swayne, their spouses and 10 great grandchildren. She will be missed very much.

Monday, November 7th 4-7pm: Viewing Crown Hill Mortuary, 7777 W. 29th Avenue, Ponderosa Room, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033

Tuesday, November 8th 11am: Funeral Service: Our Savior’s Corner of Hope Church, 1975 S Garrison St. Lakewood, Colorado 80227.

Tuesday, November 8th 1pm: Graveside Memorial: Mount Lindo Morrison, CO 80465

Tuesday, November 8th 3pm: Reception: 1354 S Simms Street, Lakewood, CO 80232

Donations can be made on behalf of Karen to RayofhopeColorado.org/donateinhonorof