Karen J. Maynard

Karen was born in Myrtle Point, Oregon on April 8th, 1953 to Ernest and June Kight. Karen was raised for the first part of her life in Riverton, Oregon on Kight Hill, the family ranch. Karen spent a good share of her childhood playing in the woods building forts and befriending cattle that roamed the family ranch with her sister, Lois, and close cousins Huck and David. Karen attended Riverton School through the 3rd grade at which point the family moved to McKinleyville, where Karen’s grandmother and grandfather lived. Karen attended McKinleyville schools from 4th grade on and graduated from McKinleyville High School in 1971. In 1973, Karen married James Maynard and had two children, first Jesse Garrett in 1976 and then Whitney Dale in 1980.

Karen worked in many different fields, all involving helping others. She spent her first part of her career working in McKinleyville schools holding a variety of positions, but regardless of her job title, she was an exceptional role model and mentor to all students fortunate enough to come in contact with her. Karen had a unique quality in that people always sought her out for support and compassion and when she went above and beyond to provide advice and kindness to those who needed it. More recently, Karen worked as a legal office assistant for the Humboldt County Drug Court Probation Department. She always had a kind word and a smile that made being around her fun and encouraging. Her role was to serve others (she ran the office) but she was so much more than a secretary to coworkers and clients.

Karen was vibrant, intelligent, and filled with love, laughter and generosity. She was an avid animal lover, especially loving cats. Her children often comment about their forever gratitude for instilling in them a devotion to kitties. She could bring a smile to anyone’s face in even the dimmest of circumstances with her fantastic whit and sense of humor.

Karen was preceded in death by her father, Ernest Kight, her nephew, Peter John Taylor, numerous beloved great aunts and uncles, and countless spoiled kitties.

Karen is survived by her mother, June Kight, children Jesse Maynard, Whitney Maynard, and ex-husband and friend, James Maynard. Long time boyfriend and companion, Steven Jacobs, sister and brother in law, Lois and Steven Larsen, granddaughter Alexandria Maynard, niece and nephew, Rob Taylor and Heidi Larsen, aunts Cleo Casey and Evra Smith and uncle, Royal Jensen. Cousins Braxton (Huck), David, Craig, and Scott Casey, Eric, Greg and Doug Smith, close friends Paula Sargent, Eric Wheeler, and Teri Libolt, and many other lifelong friends and extended family members who cherished her.

A special thanks to Dr. Cobb, Dr. Lemon and the staff at St. Joseph Hospital and Eureka Internal Medicine. The kindness and compassion they demonstrated to Karen and her family will never be forgotten.

A celebration of life will be held Sunday, March 18th, 2012 from noon to 3:00pm at the Six Rivers Masonic Lodge, 251 Bayside Road, Arcata, CA. All who knew and loved Karen and wish to celebrate her life are welcome to attend.

You may email any questions to [email protected] if needed.

Arrangements under the direction of Paul's Chapel, Arcata, CA.