KAREN R. WEST
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of our wife and mother, Karen Ruth West (Johnson), who left us on November 5, 2024, at the age of 85. Karen touched the lives of all who knew her with her generosity, intelligence, loyalty, and strength.
Born on June 24, 1939 in Cambridge Nebraska to Arnold and Henrietta Johnson, Karen grew up in Cambridge. She studied education at McCook college, obtaining her teaching credential. While teaching in Lexington NE, she met Donald West. On June 26, 1960 they married.
Karen taught 2nd grade until Jeff was born, subsequently devoting herself to motherhood and maintaining the family as Don completed his academic training.
After moving to Virginia, with the kids growing up, Karen worked in various roles including administrative assistant at the First Presbyterian Church of Annandale and as an architecture assistant, showcasing her keen attention to detail and design.
She had many passions in her life. One of the greatest joys was her love for animals, especially dogs and horses.
She had a special connection with her four-legged friends, who brought her immeasurable happiness and comfort. Her love for animals, particularly bulldogs, was a testament to her compassionate nature.
Throughout the years she worked on genealogy, documenting the family back to individuals who came to America on the Mayflower along with connections back to people in the American Revolution. She enjoyed sharing these stories with her family.
Similarly, she enjoyed the history of old coins, collecting them and sharing with family.
Karen was also passionate about Husker sports, and her enthusiasm for the games she loved was evident throughout her life. Later in life when she lived in New Hampshire, her sports allegiance expanded to the New England Patriots. Her love for sports brought joy and a sense of camaraderie to those around her.
Karen’s legacy lives on through her children, Jeff, Stephanie, and David, and her grandchildren, Melissa and James, all of whom she cherished deeply. She will also be missed by her husband Donald, siblings, and other close friends.
A celebration of her life was held on April 26 at 1 pm at Fairview Cemetery in Cambridge NE with a service conducted by Tim Burke from Trinity Methodist at 1pm and reception followed from 2-4 pm at the Trinity Methodist Church on 620 Penn St.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Bulldog Club of America Rescue Network (https:// bulldogclubofamerica. org/about-bulldogs/ rescue/), a cause that was dear to her heart.
Karen will be remembered for her intelligence, strength, loyalty, and generosity.
While she may no longer be with us, her memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved her.
