Karen Louise Garretson

AMMENDED — Karen Louise Garretson, 66, passed away on March, 23, 2018 surrounded by her family. She was the most incredible woman, mother, wife, and grandmother and role model of compassion, family values, hard work and strength. She was a beautiful person, but even more magnificent and beautiful from within. Her big smile, heart of gold, and infectious laugh made her glow, and her loving heart made her loved by all.

Karen had a fighting spirit and, despite insurmountable medical odds, she maintained a positive spirit, and never gave up, ever, on anything. Her spirit kept her pushing until the day she left us.

Karen is survived by her lifelong companion and husband of 45 years, Gary Garretson, of Worland, mother-in-law Josephine Garretson of Worland, her daughter Cammy Vuksanovic and son-in-law Alex Vuksanovic, of San Diego, Calif., her daughter Tina Bahmer and son-in-law Steve Bahmer, of Tallahassee, Fla., their children, Allison, Madeline, Olivia, Ben, Jack and Luke, her son Justin Garretson, of Cheyenne, Wyo, sister Janice (Jan) Richard, brothers, Dale Richard, Dennis (Wanda) Richard, Rickie (Patricia) Richard, Nita Richard (sister-in-law), aunt Janette Richard of Worland, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, Clara Wagner and Walter Richard, and brothers, Lesley Richard and Stanley Richard.

Karen was born on October 18, 1951 and was a lifelong resident of Worland. She was driven, hard working, and the first in her family to graduate from Worland High School. At the age of 13, she fell for a talented guitar player who drove a black mustang, the man who became her lifelong companion. Karen and Gary were married for 45 years and had three children and six grandchildren together, which were her pride and joy. She was the kind of mother who gave her heart, time, energy and passion into every moment to make it memorable. She was a fun, playful, and patient grandmother. Her legacy will carry on through her family and the lessons she taught will last a lifetime.

Karen was a vibrant social butterfly and her life was full of adventure. She was the life of the party, loved to rollerskate, dress up for Halloween, country dance, listen to Gary play the guitar, and hosti family gatherings and she was the center of the family, an entrepreneur, and could outwork anyone. She and Gary became the dynamic duo building and running several successful businesses, riding motorcycles together, boating and being there for her family and friends. She was actively involved in her community where she served on the recreation board of Worland, played coed volleyball, taught yoga, and eventually pursued her volleyball passion to create the town’s first youth volleyball program. She poured her heart into it, and it will be one of her many legacies.

She was the kind of mother who loved endlessly, always supporting her children in every activity and stage of life. She prepared them to become independent, curious, hardworking, and entrepreneurial. She will be remembered as a strong, selfless role model, an adventurous, wise and loving wife, mother, and grandmother, and above all, a bright, kind, and happy spirit. She lived by faith and believed in roots and wings. She gave them both. It’s now her time to fly.

A funeral is scheduled on March 30, 2018 at 2pm at First Presbyterian Church, 403 S. 15th Street, Worland, Wyo. The Rev. Guy Helms will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Karen’s life.