Karen Irene Larson

Karen Irene Larson of Othello, Washington died suddenly at home in her sleep on April 24, 2012. She was 58 years old. Karen was born in Caldwell, Idaho on May 12, 1953 to Barbara Frances (Reilly) Larson and Dale Harvey Larson. She graduated from Othello High School in 1971 and went on to earn her Pharmacy degree at the University of Washington. She worked as a pharmacist at The Children’s Hospital in Seattle for many years before returning to Othello in 1996. She was married in 1998 to George Duncan. From 1996 until her retirement in 2011 she continued working as a pharmacist in Ephrata, Moses Lake, and Othello.

Karen had many diverse interests. She had a particular interest in the geology of the scablands. She produced beautiful Hardanger embroidery. At family gatherings her nieces and nephews always looked forward to a new craft project. She enjoyed participating in the annual Sandhill Crane Festival in Othello, and was disappointed when her failing health ended that participation. She loved music of all kinds, and was always eager to share a new artist. She was an avid reader, and always had several piles of books near her bed and reading chair ready to enjoy. Her love of books was eclipsed only by her love of, and by, her family. Karen had five cats, and loved them all. We find comfort in the fact that when she died she wasn’t alone, for her beloved cats were by her side.

Karen left behind her parents, Frances and Justin Reno of Othello; her two sisters, Yvonne (Larson) Calavan of Seattle and Norma (Larson) Tillotson of Spokane; and her three brothers, Nels Larson (Marilyn) and Richard Reno, both of Othello, and Bob Reno (Shana) of Springfield, Oregon. Karen had fourteen nieces and nephews, and each one of them would say she was their favorite aunt. She is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins, as well as many friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, George Duncan in 2007, and her father Dale Larson in 1959. At Karen’s request, no services will be held, but her family is honored to fulfill her last request to scatter her ashes in one of her favorite places in the world. Karen's Othello High School graduating class has graciously donated a tree and plaque in her name to be placed at Bess Hampton Memorial Gardens at a later date.

Karen cared deeply about her family and the people she helped during her life. She left a positive impression on many, with her generosity and warmth of spirit. She was one who not only made friends, but kept friends. Karen left this verse for us to find after her death, and it says everything about who Karen was: “Treat everyone you meet as if it’s their last day, and while they don’t know that, you do.” Godspeed to a beloved daughter, sister, aunt and friend; you will be sorely missed.

Donations in Karen’s name may be made to Adams County Pet Rescue, P.O. Box 1263, Othello, WA 99344; (509) 855-1402.