Karen Jeanne Hunt

Karen was born on October 8, 1945, in San Marcos, Texas, to the late William T. and Jeanne Covey. She spoke fondly of her childhood and the many moves that took her family all over the country. They lived in Texas, Utah, New Mexico, and Idaho before settling in Grand Junction in 1957.

Karen graduated from Grand Junction High School in 1963. At the young age of 15, she met her high school sweetheart and the love of her life, Jackie Lynn “Jack” Hunt. They were married on November 21, 1963, and moved to Fort Collins so Jack could attend Colorado State University. During this time, Karen worked multiple jobs to support Jack while he pursued his physics degree.

During Jack’s senior year, their lives changed forever when he was seriously injured in a car accident. He suffered a traumatic brain injury that permanently took away his ability to speak. Karen never faltered in her dedication to Jack as they faced this life-altering injury together. She adapted to their new circumstances with courage and strength and was, no doubt, one of the reasons Jack was eventually able to return to CSU and obtain his physics degree. All who witnessed this major life hurdle had the utmost respect for Karen’s devotion, resilience, and determination to continue building a meaningful life alongside the man she loved.

Following graduation, they moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, where Jack began his career. It was during this time that Karen pursued a career of her own as a licensed real estate agent and truly enjoyed her career. She later changed paths to pursue her dream of becoming a Certified Respiratory Therapist at Cincinnati University Hospital, where she touched many lives. During their 36 years in Ohio, Jack and Karen loved taking their boat out on the Ohio River and spending time aboard their houseboat on Lake Cumberland, Kentucky.

Upon retirement, they returned home to Grand Junction to be close to family. Karen was the ultimate caregiver, selflessly caring for her parents and Jack until the end of their lives. She showed all of us what love and devotion look like, even through life’s greatest challenges.

Karen’s legacy will live on through the lives of all who knew and loved her. May we all strive to serve others as selflessly and lovingly as Karen served her friends and family.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents; her sister and brother-in-law, Candy and Rick Brodel; and her beloved husband of 50 years, Jack.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

2 Timothy 4:7

A private family graveside service will be held at a later date.