Karen Elaine Yule

Karen Yule-Conklin born April 29, 1942 died peacefully surrounded by her family on December 30, 2025. Karen was a Salida, CO native before Salida was cool. She is survived by her only and beloved sister, Nancy Yule-Taylor. The two Yule girls lived in many states as the Air Force took the family (with parents Ray and Mollie at the helm) to Hawaii, Texas and South Dakota before coming back to Denver to live permanently in 1953. Karen attended Washington Park elementary, Merrill junior high and South high school in Denver. Her first year of undergrad was at Graceland College in Iowa. She then transferred to the University of Colorado, Boulder where she graduated with her bachelor’s degree and then started teaching elementary school. Karen had a variety of careers over the years- lifeguard at Congress pool, teacher, bank teller, dress seller at Nordstrom, Denver zoo gift shop employee, real estate appraiser and middle school counselor, but her most beloved and influential roles were mother and grandmother. Family meant everything to her and she created a very large one with six children who all continue to live in the Denver area. Eight adoring grandchildren called her Gamby, Mimi, the Great Gambino or Chef Mims. Love was the cornerstone of this family and we will greatly miss her physical presence, but know her love will be with us forever. She is survived by her children, Mandy Ryan (Bill), Matthew Conklin, Brent Conklin (Sarah), Sueanna Johnson (Matthew), Carlton Yule and Katelyn Yule. Her loving grandchildren are Jack, Sam, Will, Finnian, Violet, Daisy, Evelyn and Henry. A memorial service will be held at a future date.