Karen Owen

Karen Owen, 83, of Weiser, Idaho passed away peacefully at home on July 23, 2025, with her devoted daughter Toni by her side. 

 Karen was born in November 1941 in Weiser to Jack and Maida Hand. She was the oldest of two daughters.

 Born and raised in Weiser, she grew up on the family farm along with her younger sister, RaNae. Karen loved horses and during her high school years in the summer and weekends she and her friends rode horseback around the Weiser area. Sometimes going on long rides to the Galloway Dam or to the top of Indianhead Mountain.

 She attended East Side School, junior high and graduated from Weiser High School in 1959. As a senior in high school, she was vice president of the Girls’ Athletic Association. After high school she and a friend attended Ex-cel-cis Beauty School in Boise. She then returned to Weiser and began working at Sandy’s Beauty Shop, which later became Leona’s Beauty Shop. Karen also worked at The Merc and then eventually went to work for the Washington County Assessor’s Office. After 29 years there she retired in 2005 as the Chief Deputy Assessor. 

 Karen met Clarence Smith of Weiser through his sister Barb and married in 1962. They purchased a house with some acreage and moved to the Weiser Flat area. In 1967 their daughter Toni was born. Years later they divorced, and Karen married Lon Owen in 1981 and they were married 40 years until his passing in 2022. 

 Karen enjoyed spending time with family and attended many events throughout the years. She was known to ride in a few Weiser Rodeo and Fiddlers parades with her husband Lon in matching shirts. She also enjoyed crocheting and made many afghan blankets over the years for family, friends and the nursing home. She loved gardening and spent countless hours out in her rock gardens and yard, coming up with unique planter ideas with whatever she could find, she was very creative. Karen also painted gourds, bricks, ceramics, wood cut outs and even pieces of wood that she found. 

 She enjoyed going to Warren and spending time with family and friends. She never traveled much, but on her first trip to Oahu, Hawaii she was hooked on the Hawaiian Islands and made two more trips to explore more islands. In 2018 on the Island of Kauai she did seven ziplines as the oldest one in the group at the age of 77. She was kind and generous, living a simple and private life.

 She is survived by her daughter, Toni, and stepdaughters LeeAnna, Tonie, Tamee, Lonnie and Kellie. Her sister RaNae and brother-in-law Kenny and nieces Jackie and Anna Mae. Also, sister-in-law Susie and nephews Chad and Chris.

 She is preceded in death by her parents Jack and Maida, her husband Lon and her stepdaughter Stacy. 

 Her daughter Toni would like to send a sincere thank you to the hospice staff especially, Shawna, Danielle, Lauren, Denise and Justine for the kindness, compassion and professionalism they showed during her mom’s care. To best friends Nicole for her devoted friendship and help during mom’s final days and Vance for his continued support. Also, to family and friends who checked in on us and offered help if needed.

 A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025, from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at The Bee Hive, 8 East Idaho Street in Weiser, Idaho. All are invited to come, visit and share stories and memories.

 In lieu of flowers please instead donate to your favorite charity.