Karen L. Ellyson

Our beloved Karen Ellyson, 60, passed away on September 1, 2011 at home. She was born August 7, 1951 in Mennonite Hospital in LaJunta, Colorado. She grew up in Las Animas, Pinon, and Arvada, Colorado, and Las Cruces, New Mexico.

Karen is preceded in death by her dad, Russell Leeson; brother, Cecil Leeson of Penrose, Colorado; and two grandchildren, Luther LeLand Henderson and Auniecia Shara Hunziker. She is survived by her mom, Cecilia (Butschle) Leochner; son, Nathan (Rachel) Watson of Evans, Colorado; daughter, Shara (Dooley) Collins of Pueblo, Colorado; six grandchildren, Cody Campbell of Pueblo, Colorado, Michael Campbell of Gilcrest, Colorado, and Dominique Watson of Evans, Colorado; brother, Steven (Nancy) Leeson of North Dakota; sisters, Beverly Gallegos of Thornton, Colorado, Charlene (Greg) Bauer of Louisville, Kentucky; sister in law, Joan Leeson of Penrose, Colorado.

Karen raised a calf in 4-H while she was in school. She graduated from Arvada High School in 1969. She married Fred Henderson of Lafayette, Colorado in 1969. She married Richard Watson of Nunn, Colorado in 1975. In 1980, Karen married Preston Jean ‘PJ’ Ellyson of Denver, Colorado.

Karen was loved by many people. A lot of them looked up to her and conceded her their mom too, like Richy Ellyson, Jeremi Schafer, Tammy Toxvard, and Shawn Villes. She was a very loving and caring person.

Linda Turpen was a very special friend to Karen. She was such a support for her when she found out she had breast cancer. Linda would help Karen get to and from chemo and radiation treatments, especially when she was sick. Linda always sent little notes and cards to cheer her up, or would just stop by to say ‘hi’. Linda, mom really loved you and she thought of you as a sister. I thank you for all the love and joy you gave her.

Karen collected porcelain dolls and teddy bears. She also collected dogs (she loved them). Their names are Athena (age 3), Juliet and Romeo (age 4), and Nitro (6ish). But her all time favorite was ‘Mischef’. Mischef went everywhere with her, whether it was a ride to Karen’s mom’s house or a two week trip, it didn’t matter, Mischef was in her arms.

Karen, we love you and you will always be in our hearts.

Memorials may be made in her name through the funeral home. Visitation, Thursday, September 8, 2011 from 5-7 at George McCarthy Funeral Home. Funeral Service, Friday, 11 am, September 9, 2011 at George McCarthy Historic Chapel.