Karen Kamalu

Karen Kamalu

St. George, Utah - Karen Jo Morgan Kamalu, 55, passed away April 1, 2013 after a valiant battle with cancer. Her legacy of faith and trust in Heavenly Father and his son Jesus Christ will always be remembered and kept.

Karen was born July 11, 1957 to Wesley Bryant Morgan and Nellie Borgeson in Seattle, WA. She is the third oldest in a family of ten children. She spent her youth moving back and forth from Washington state to Alabama, and Louisiana. As a child she enjoyed swimming competitively, walks in the woods for wild flowers and berries, and interacting with her brothers and sisters. Her brothers, sisters, and family were always her greatest joy.

Later in life Karen graduated from Brigham Young University with a bachelors degree in School Health. While attending BYU she worked as a lifeguard and taught swimming to mentally and physically challenged children whom she loved. She would remind her assistants that they should remember that the people they were helping might one day need to help them once this life is through. Years later she continued her schooling and obtained a Masters degree in Instructional Technology from Utah State University while working as a P.E. and health teacher in Moroni, Utah.

Professionally Karen was an exceptional P.E. teacher and well received in both Moroni and St. George, UT. She looked for ways to help her students enjoy being active through games and activities. She exemplified this through her own life with her love of cycling, camping, hiking, and spending time outdoors.

Karen was an exceptional mother and guardian. She always made life decisions keeping her children first and foremost. Their wellbeing and progression were her constant guide. She loved the gospel of Jesus Christ and served faithfully in His church. She taught her children to study the scriptures, pray often, and hold family home evening. She taught them the value of being together and creating memorable experiences. She showed them what it means to forgive and forget. She expected them to be completely honest and upfront in all aspects of their lives and to be true to both self and God. She taught them to be respectful to others in all circumstances. She was a solid foundation when all around her at times the landscape was unknown and unkept. She valued hard work along with the rewards it brings. She was kind to those that needed a friend and thought of others first when her own needs were greater. Most importantly, she taught her children to love the Savior Jesus Christ, trust in the atonement, and endure to the end. Her passing brings peace and comfort along with feelings of loss and sorrow as we will all have to wait to be with her again.

She is survived by her children Elisha and her spouse Phil (Tucson, AZ), Ben and his spouse Brooke (Orem, UT), Danielle, Calvin, Lauren and her grandchildren Scout, Boston, Evelyn, Brooklyn, Ethan, and Ezra. She is also survived by Kyle Kamalu and Kiana Kamalu and her parents Wesley and Nell Morgan (Santaquin, UT).

A viewing for Karen will be held on Wednesday April 3, 2013 from 6:00-7:30 PM at the Bloomington Hills Chapel, 750 E Fort Pierce Dr, St. George, UT 84790. A separate viewing and funeral service will be held at the same chapel on Thursday April 4, 2013 with the viewing from 10:30-11:30 AM, and the funeral service at 12:00 PM. Interment will take place in the Santaquin City (Utah) cemetery the following day at 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Karen Jo Morgan Kamalu Revocable Trust, 2082 Princeton Circle, St. George, UT 84790. Services are under the direction of Heideman Hughes Mortuary. (435)674-5000.