Elsie Karen (Kurth) (Howe) Long passed away unexpectedly but peacefully on Thursday May 9, 2024, in Gresham, Oregon at the age of 79. Karen, the name she preferred to go by, was born March 23, 1945, in Lexington, Mississippi to Otto R & Ruth V Kurth, Sr.
After moving around during Karen’s early years, the Kurth family settled in San Antonio, Texas. Karen attended Saint John’s Lutheran Church, was part of the Saint John’s Softball League, and graduated from Robert E Lee High School.
Karen married Carroll A Howe of Clyde, Texas and had their first daughter, Carol Lynne, in 1966. The family of three moved to Portland, Oregon when Braniff Airlines opened at the Portland International Airport instantly forming many lifelong friendships forever known as the “Braniff Family.” In 1971, their second daughter, Michelle was born.
Karen worked as a cook and the secretary at Parkrose First Baptist Church, forming more lifelong friendships. She was very proud to work for the United States Post Office finally retiring after 35+ years as a Station Supervisor. Karen could tell you everything about the mail service and just loved to talk. She was most proud to be a grandma AKA granny and a great granny. She was a kind-hearted generous person and loved her family and friends. She will be dearly missed.
Karen was preceded in death by her mother & father; brothers, Paul & Otto Jr; husband, J.P. Long; and daughter, Carol Lynne.
Karen is survived by her youngest daughter, Michelle (Howe) Petrie & Tim and grandson Aiden, of Auburn, WA; granddaughter, Ashley (Brashear) Eldridge & Greg, of Gresham, OR; granddaughter, Katie (Brashear) Dean & Dillon, of Gresham, OR; great grandchildren, Amy, Magnolia, Ellis, and Arlo; cousins, nieces, nephews, and sister-in-laws. Very special people to Karen were Barb, Sherry, Elizabeth, and Cindy.
A memorial service will be held Friday, June 21, 2024 at 1:00 PM at Pathway Church (Greater Gresham Baptist Church) located at 3848 NE Division Street, Gresham, Oregon 97030, with a reception to follow.
Karen’s ashes will be interred at Saint John’s Lutheran Church in San Antonio next to her mother. A celebration of life in San Antonio TBD.
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