Karen Beverly (Owen) Anderson

Karen Beverly Anderson passed away November 13, 2024 at 91 years of age. She was born April 3, 1933, the 3rd of 5 children to Clifford & Cleopatra (Cleo) (Lampkins) Owen at Waupaca, Wisconsin.  She spent her early childhood at Ogdensburg, Wisconsin.  Later the family moved to Three Lakes, when she started the 3rd grade.  Karen loved music and played tenor saxophone in high school, she was honored to be in the All Music Band when Wisconsin was 100 years old at Madison Wisconsin. She performed on stage and even performed solos, she graduated in May 1949.

In November of 1949 she met the love of her life Kenneth Anderson; they were married on September 15, 1951. Karen picked potatoes in the fall with her mother and sister in laws.   She held the record of 307 bushels of potatoes picked in a day at .10 cents per bushel.    She said the record had never been broken to her knowledge.

In 1964 the family moved to Prineville.  Karen crossed the picket line at Coin Mill for work when her husband needed surgery, later also worked at Clear Pine Moldings. Karen and her husband cut firewood; she even had her own chainsaw. She sold Avon Products for over 25 years.   Karen was an avid bowler; one of her favorite teams was the Mop Droppers League on Wednesday mornings. Karen was a cancer survivor of over 50 years and walked in many of the Cancer Walks held here in Prineville.

Karen’s family was one of the most important things in the world; she would do anything to help them.  They had years of family camping, hunting, fishing, gatherings and bar-b-ques plus all the stories that went along with them. She was always involved with whatever the family did and was not afraid to tackle anything.  She loved to watch her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren in all of their sporting events.  Many called her either “mom” or “grandma” which made her very proud. She was still attending games up to a month ago for her great grandchildren.

Karen and Ken spent a few winters in Quartzsite, Arizona. Ken passed away in 1997 after 46 years of marriage leaving a large void in her heart. Karen continued to spend winters with her daughter in Arizona where she learned various crafts. She made Christmas Wreaths and Lighted Christmas Balls out of Dixie Cups. She made quilts and Crochet Rugs for her family and friends, even selling some of them.  In 2004 her daughter moved back to Prineville so Arizona winters were no more. 

In 2008 Karen married Bill Russell, but lost him 10 months later to health complications. After the loss of Bill, Karen and her daughter traveled.  They made trips throughout Oregon and then trips to Wisconsin, Arizona, Idaho, Yellowstone National Park, The Grand Tetons, The Grand Canyon, Mount Rushmore, Devils Tower, covering over 16 different states.   In 2023 her grandchildren with a little help of her children held a surprise 90th birthday party for her with over 100 family and friends in attendance. She was Queen of the Day and very happy plus completely surprised.

Karen was preceded in death by her husband Kenneth Anderson in 1997 and later Bill Russell, as well as her parents, Clifford & Cleo Owen, brother Merle (Gene) Owen, sisters Barbara Rigney and Helen Alsteen. Karen is survived by a brother Dennis (Brenda) Owen of LaPine, Oregon, her daughter Faith Duncan of Prineville, sons, Vince (Connie) Anderson of Madras, Mark Anderson of Prineville, and Carl (Jean) Anderson of Prineville.  Grandchildren Kenny, Michelle, Katie, Era, Jessica, Linda, Kaylee, Nichole, Shawn, Johnny, and David. Great Grandchildren, Brianna, Tyler, Logan, Karine, Emily, Tavin, Beckett, Chloe, Alice, Avery, Harper and Elijah (Eli). Great Great Grandchildren, Moira, and Eleanor, and many nieces and nephews too numerous to count.

Karen was a member of the Grace Baptist Church for over 14 years and was never afraid to tell Pastor Hinton to slow down when he would get to speaking to fast. She was always willing to help when needed, one thing for sure she loved her church and her church family.  Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday November 23rd, at the Grace Baptist Church,  310 NE 7th Street, Prineville, Oregon.

She always said she had 4 children, 11 grands, 12 great, 2 great great and they all loved her.