Karen Lee Bogue

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Karen Lee Bogue, she passed peacefully in her home in Grand Junction, CO on March 30, 2025, surrounded by her spouse of 69 years, Ronald Bogue; and her four adult children, Candace Workman, Maureen Pesci, Jordan Bogue and Kirk Bogue.

Karen was born Karen Lee Swan to Max Swan and Devena Vogel Swan on March 22, 1937, in Sterling, CO. Karen is preceded in death by her parents, Max and Devena Swan, and her son, Scott Bogue. Karen is survived by her husband, Ronald C. Bogue, daughter-in-law, Robin Bogue of Fruita, CO, daughter, Candace Workman (Mark) of Montrose, CO, daughter, Maureen Pesci (Dean) of Palisade, CO, son, Jordan Bogue (Dana) of Grand Junction , CO, and son, Kirk Bogue of Nashville, TN and Grand Junction, CO; grandchildren, Jason Bogue (Stephanie) of Lascassas, TN, Ann Marie Styles (Gary) of Craig, CO, Greg Workman (Katie) of Garden City, KS, Laura Norris of Lakin, KS, Erik Workman (Janae) of Polk City, IA, Taylor Hackbarth (Lindsay Landis) of Nashville, TN, Travis Hackbarth of Aurora, CO ,Vanessa Hackbarth (Quinn Barto) of Rock Springs, WY, Joshua Bogue (Danisha) of Commerce City CO, Melyssa Bogue of Grand Junction, CO, Emilee Bogue (Hesham Kamel) of Phoenix, AZ; great-grandchildren, Devren and Adria Styles , Bryson , Alayna ,Jenica, and Eliza Workman, Orinn, Quinn and Camille Norris, Madilyn , Maxton and Meredith Workman, Bowie, Talon and Brooks Barto, Cohen Bogue, Carson Nighswonger, Brynnleigh Nighswonger and Sariyah Kamel.

Karen spent her young school years in Lincoln, NE. She attended Bancroft Elementary School and Whittier Junior High School. In 1952, her parents moved Karen from the city life in Lincoln to the very rural area of Snowmass, CO. Karen graduated valedictorian in 1955 from Basalt High School. Karen married Ronald C. Bogue on May 20th, 1955.

Karen lamented recently that she really wanted to live to celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary. Karen and Ron loved to travel around the USA and were fortunate to do that during their retirement years. Karen was a schoolteacher for many years. Karen taught special education, kindergarten, and first and second grades. Karen first taught in Basalt, CO where she had graduated from. She then taught in Park City, UT, and New Castle, CO, and finished her teaching career at Aspen Elementary School, Aspen, CO.

Even in retirement Karen was an avid reader, she read a couple of books a week. She has an extensive library at her home. She even had her own catalog system to keep track of what she had read. Karen loved to write letters and send cards to family and friends across the miles. Karen fought a very brave 5 1/2-year battle with ovarian cancer. She had her ups and downs and never complained. In lieu of flowers, Karen thought donations to Hope West Hospice would be nice. However, Karen loved flowers. She always had fresh flowers on her table every week.

Karen’s faith was a strong part of her life. She began her walk with God in 1966 and remained faithful to the end.

Services for Karen will be held on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., at Elmwood Cemetery 1175 17 1/4 Road Fruita, CO 81521.