Karen Leah Blucher

Karen Blucher, 69, passed away on November 7th, 2021, at Mantey Heights Care Center, Grand Junction, Colorado, where she resided for 16 years. She was born March 24, 1952, in Malad City, Idaho, to Ralph and Ellen (Hartmann) Blucher. The family moved to Grand Junction in 1963.

Karen had struggled with Multiple Sclerosis for nearly 30 years. She had a lot of faithful friends before and added many more over the years. She had a great sense of humor and enjoyed music, reading, jigsaw puzzles and Bingo. Before MS, she loved to ski, hike (climbed Mt Garfield) and play tennis.

She is survived by sisters, Linda (aka Lindy) Garrison and Janice (Bob) Price, both of Grand Junction, brother, Joseph Blucher of Fruita, and several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank her wonderful friends and caregivers at Mantey Heights, who were there for Karen as she went through many ups and downs. We very much appreciate HopeWest Hospice who gave her the added care once it was needed.

Please consider donating in Karen's name to HopeWest Grand Junction Hospice at

hopewestco.org OR to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society at nationalmssociety.org

As no services are planned at this time, please remember Karen as you read her selections of the 23rd Psalm and the hymn, Amazing Grace. (See below for both.)

Following is a transcribed message from Karen, which she wanted to have read at her memorial service:

Hi Everybody, I moved to Mantey many years ago.. It took a lot of bugging from Diedra to make the leap, but I finally did. When I first got here, they moved me to a 2-bed room, probably cause I had so much stuff. But later on they moved me to a single-bed room and amazingly enough, all my stuff fit in the room. The room had such a fantastic view: trees and mountains and green grass. I hung up my bird feeder right away and filled it with bird feed and the birds did flock to the bird feeder. In the morning I could hear them chirping away…it’s such a fun way to wake up in the morning. So it was like home away from home and I was at peace. I had a room to myself where I could do my puzzles, listen to my music and read my books, watch TV and watch movies. I filled my days with all these things.

And then they elected me to the president of the resident council. That was fun for a while until I grew tired of it. In the dining room, I sat with 3 other people: Martha Harmon, Luana Chauncy and Martha’s mother, Lois. We were nicknamed the table to be at, because we always had such fun. I especially liked Luana because she was the same age as my mother if she was still alive. And when we played trivia, she knew most of the answers and I was jealous of her. She used to be a school teacher so I guess that’s why she knew so much.

And I played a lot of Bingo at first, but not any more. Mostly, I spend a lot of time in my room… taking long naps and visiting with anyone who drops by.

My life at Mantey was a lot of fun – more happiness than sadness, but always there was somebody that was dying or passed away. That was hard to take, but I soon grew able to deal with it… it’s just a part of life.

I also got to do other things… like a nurse took me up on the Monument and drove me from one side to the other side; and the view was just like I remembered. That was a great time. And another time we went to see a baseball game and that was really fun!

So all and all, I feel like I’ve been privileged to be here at Mantey Heights and to enjoy everybody’s company, making my life easier. So thank you very much. See you around the bend. Love you all, Karen

Psalms 23: The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

Amazing Grace: Amazing Grace! How sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now am found, was blind but now I see.

'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, And grace my fears relieved; How precious did that grace appear The hour I first believed!

Through many dangers, toils, and snares I have already come; 'Tis grace has brought me safe thus far, And grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me; His word my hope secures; He will my shield and portion be As long as life endures.

Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail, And mortal life shall cease, I shall possess, within the veil, A life of joy and peace. Amen.