Karen Christine Bishop

Services will be at 10 a.m. Friday at Canyon View Vineyard Church.

Mrs. Bishop was an artist.

She is survived by her husband, Bill; her father, Don Carlson of Denver; one brother, David Carlson of Arvada; and two sisters, Janet Drummond of Grand Junction and Judy Conn of Fort Collins.

Memorial contributions to HopeWest, 3090B N. 12th St., Grand Junction, 81506.

Karen Christine (Carlson) Bishop was born on November 26th, 1955 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania to Don and Margaret Carlson. Her siblings include Janet (Jim) Drummond, David (Marie) Carlson and Judy (Bill) Conn. Her family moved to Denver, Colorado in 1963. As a teenager, she loved playing the guitar and writing music along with her best friend. They attended a church camp during the summer of her teen years which is where she gave her life to Jesus. After graduating from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1973, she moved to Wichita, Kansas where she attended Wichita Art Association, then returned to Denver, CO. She was so very talented in designing and creating jewelry, especially using silver for her pieces.

Karen was an aerobic dance instructor in the early 1980’s with a group called Colorado Aerobics in Rhythm. She used that experience to teach aerobics in different locations around the United States and also in Aberdeen, Scotland. She married the love of her life, Bill Bishop on July 19, 1985. They had just celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary this summer. She and Bill traveled from one end of the country to the other as his jobs relocated him, living in so many different cities that we have lost count. They spent the longest period of time in Las Vegas, NV before moving to Grand Junction, CO in 2013. Karen worked managing health clubs, retail, bakery and interior decorating while living in Vegas. She was an exceptional painter. She didn’t just do the “normal”. She did murals, faux painting, upholstering, drapes, etc. …you name it, and she did it. Many, many homes in Las Vegas have “the touch of Karen”. She even redid an efficiency apartment and penthouse apartment in Monaco!

Karen loved to travel. Her very favorite place was the south of France. She and Bill were there several times, even living there for a few months at a time. They also traveled to Italy, Holland, Switzerland, Belgium, Paris and of course England where Bill’s two daughters and their families reside.

She was the grandmother to Sophie and Matthew Audis, children of Eve (Mike) Audis, Along with Eve and Mike other beloved family members are Deb Bishop and son John, Jonathan (Kim) Bishop and children Jimmy and Emily. She is survived by nieces Aime, Anna, Mary and Betsy and nephews Jonathan and Jared and a great Aunt to Kyle, Ryan, Alyssa, Emily, Evan, Hannah, Ben, Bella and Jack. She was preceded in death by her brother-in-law (Dennis Hoffman), nephew (Matthew Hoffman) and mother.

Karen loved people. She was always watching out for others and giving so very freely with her talents and gifts. She also loved to swim. She could be seen early in the mornings at Golds Gym doing her 50 laps. She was absolutely amazing. She was the best friend and sister that you could ever wish for. She was her husband’s caregiver for the last few years, always making his needs her first priority.

Karen arrived in heaven on September 17, 2015. We can only imagine the celebration of joy as she first danced with her Heavenly Father, then was greeted by her mother who had been anxiously awaiting her arrival. Karen is now experiencing the joy of Christ’s Presence. She is fully healed, laughing, rejoicing and probably cooking and redecorating her Heavenly mansion. We know she is praising God for His faithfulness.

Our thanks go out to all of those at the Hospice Care Center who lovingly cared for her in her last days. These people really are God’s hands and feet. To the St. Mary’s Pavilion Oncology and Radiation Departments doctors, nurses, staff and volunteers: thank you for your devotion, love and care.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hope West, 3090B N. 12th Street, Grand Junction, CO, 81506.

To send the family a condolence, visit www.callahan-edfast.com.

A celebration of her life will be held at Canyon View Vineyard Chapel (736 24 ½ Road, Grand Junction) on Friday, October 2nd at 10 am. A potluck lunch reception will be held following.