Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
About
Karen Ek Obituary
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Karen Ek
June 30, 2011
Karen,
I wanted to call and wish you a Happy Birthday today and listen to you fret about your gray hair and how old you're getting. I wanted to hear you laugh and know that you were happy to be remembered even if you refused to admit it. I wanted to tell you "I love you and remind you of how special you are to all of us."
Karen, you were taken too soon but you will forever remain in our hearts. I believe you are still with us. Trevor continues to amaze us with his talents and ability to overcome hardships. He is moving forward but your influence and encouragement continues to guide him. A part of you lives on in him and we are so thankful for the gift you left in him. He will be forever surrounded by your love and ours.
And you big sister, are a treasure to all who were blessed by knowing you. I hope you realize that now. I'm so thankful to have had you as a sister. Happy Birhday Karen! I love you...
Until we meet again,
Your little sister -Candace
Olivia, Mama Tah, and Nelson
Colette Washington
June 29, 2011
Hey Sis,
I just wanted to say HAPPY 56th BIRTHDAY to you today! Trevor tested for a conductor job with Amtrak and of course had mixed emotions about it being on the day of your birth, after just saying goodbye to you in December.
I told him you and Paul would be CHEERING him on and very proud of him, as we all are. He's so smart, caring, and handsome, with your eyes. I'm visiting Eureka over the 4th of July this weekend to see family and pick up my kids for some summer fun in Oakland with me. We'll be camping, swimming, and visiting mom, who is doing well by the way at age 84. I saw her last weekend in Sacramento and we had a nice BBQ. We also celebrated her birthday in May.
I got text messages from Tim, Travis, Chris, and Candace all remembering you on your day and missing you very much. You remain alive in our hearts and minds, and we continue to send and receive blessing of LOVE to and from you...our angel now and always. Happy Birthday Sis...
We love and miss you more than words can say.
P.S. I hope you're getting your back gently scratched in heaven on your birthday. You always loved that :-)
Trevor age 3
February 2, 2011
February 2, 2011
Happy Birthday Trevor!
February 2, 2011
Karen, Paul and Little Trevor at the park in Reno
February 2, 2011
Quiet Reflection
February 2, 2011
Tim, Hazel, Karen Chris, Deanna, Lenette, Scott, Tina
February 2, 2011
February 2, 2011
Karen's graduation from Eureka High School
February 2, 2011
Traveling home from Oroville, CA
February 2, 2011
Winchester House in San Jose
February 2, 2011
Duncan a very special member of the family
Candace Jordan
February 2, 2011
Sister Diana's wedding
Candace Jordan
February 2, 2011
Karen and Paul on their wedding day!
Candace Jordan
February 2, 2011
Candace Jordan
February 2, 2011
Karen on vacation in Hawaii
Candace Jordan
February 2, 2011
Karen, Tim and little Chris at the opening of the Shipwreck
Candace Jordan
February 2, 2011
February 2, 2011
Karen on Roof with big Sister Diana in San Francisco 1968?
Karen&Diana Ford
February 1, 2011
Aunt Karen letting Jocelyn play with her makeup
January 29, 2011
La Verne Ford
January 8, 2011
Karen, I Wish that I could have known you when you were a little girl. Some of the story that Tim told were so funny. You and your family are what kept you all together. I am so glad that you were our kid's Aunt and that they got to Known you. Give our family a big hug from all of us. I do known that you have your wings because you are truly an Angle. We will always Love you. Love always La Verne and Kids
Timothy Ford
January 7, 2011
Karen,
It is puzzling to me how all the good things that happened to me in 2010 could be nullified in an instant. I would give them all back if you could still be among us.
You always put others first and yourself last. You always sang the praises of others without allowing us to sing yours. Myself and the rest of your siblings love you so much. I'm so glad God gave us opportunity to convey that message to you. I'm so glad that you were able to accept it. I'm still in shock, everything happened so fast. There won't enough time to deal with this great loss.
I'm so glad that our last words to each other were "I love you". I'm so proud you are my sister. Never had I seen such strength, poise, and bravery until I watched you play the hand you were dealt. I'm still in awe.
Karen, You left us a great part of you in Trevor every time we look at him we see a lot of you, your virtue and values. We love him and all of us that remain here will be here for him. Thank you for being my little sister I'll always love you and think of you.
Give my grandson a hug and the rest of our family in heaven. Love your proud brother, Tim
Diana Harvey
January 5, 2011
Dearest Karen,
There's not a day that goes by I don't think of you. Although we didn't get to spend much time together these past few years. I always knew I'd get a phone call asking about the lastest scoop on family etc. An hour was a short conversation when we were on a roll. Sure miss those calls.
You never knew how much you meant to the family. Never gave yourself credit for anything. However the one thing you let us all know you knew is what a wonderful son you & Paul raised.
Great reflection...beautiful inside & out.
As I say good-bye, I will always be thankful for the time we spent together at the last family campout. You seemed so happy & relaxed what a good time. We discussed our little sister persistance (suborness) that made it happen, thanks Candace.
Still shedding tears over our great loss. But take comfort knowing where you are & that you're not in pain anymore.
Love you my little sis.
Beautiful young Karen.
Colette Washington
January 5, 2011
Karen with siblings and mom at Redwood family reunion July 2010.
Colette Washington
January 5, 2011
Karen and her mother Gladys. Christmas 2009.
Colette Washington
January 5, 2011
Karen's siblings, mother, and son Trevor at her memorial 12/11/10..
Colette Washington
January 5, 2011
Trevor looks over Grandma Gertrude's ranch in Blue Lake where his mother played as a child.
Colette Washington
January 4, 2011
Karen's father-in-law John and sister-in-law Linda.
Colette Washington
January 4, 2011
Young Karen with brother Tim.
Colette Washington
January 4, 2011
Grandpa John Ek and Trevor.
Colette Washington
January 4, 2011
Karen's mom Gladys and son Trevor.
Colette Washington
January 4, 2011
Jocelyn Murphy
January 2, 2011
Auntie Karen, we all miss you a lot, but we know you are with us all the time. We love you and will continue too until the day we meet again. Although it's been hard, it fills us with joy to know that you will never again be in pain. You are a wonderful person, and you've touched many lives, including my own. Hey, do they have good sandwiches up there in Heaven? I hope so <3
Candace Jordan
January 2, 2011
Karen, So many times, I've tried to write in this guest book, but the words never seemed to capture my true thoughts. I realize now, there are no words to accurately express the loss I feel in my heart.
Each night since you left us, I have awakened to thoughts of you and the precious memories we shared. I miss you so much.
Starting a new year without you seems an impossiblity. Just a month ago, we were talking on the phone.
I will never understand why you were chosen to endure such a fate. You were so kind and generous, always placing the needs of others before your own.
I am certain of just one thing, you my sister, faced death with dignity. None among us could have endured the prognosis you were given with such grace. I am thankful to have had you as a sister and so very proud of you.
I will always miss you and look forward to the day when we meet again to share stories over a cup of coffee. Until then, we will watch over the gift you left us, in Trevor. He is a reflection of you and we love you both dearly.
December 19, 2010
Dear Trevor, Gladys, and Ek/Ford/Washington Family:
We were so sad to hear about Karen´s death. Our hearts are with you and the rest of the family.
Trevor, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. We hope your sweet memories of Karen will be a source of comfort in the difficult weeks, months, and years ahead.
Love to all of you from Rick and Sally Botzler
Wash, Mom, Karen, baby Candace, and Colette
Colette Washington
December 18, 2010
Karen's Sweet Baby Pic
Colette Washington
December 18, 2010
LInda Ek
December 14, 2010
Karen, it just doesn't seem possible that you are gone.First Paul and now not even two years later you have left. I would have liked to have gotten to know you better. The last time we talked it seemed like that might happen. I want you to know that I truly appreciated you letting me "borrow " Trev for a week each summer while he was growing up. We really had so much fun.
you will be missed in this family. You and Paul have an amazing son and Paul was right when he said that Trev will be ok. He will too. Dad and I , Dave and Joan and all of your brothers and sisters will make sure of that.
God's peace be with you. Linda
Keith DiBene
December 13, 2010
Karen, There are many fond memories of you and the family, as I often visited and lounged around at the home on 11th Street. You, behind your coffee cup, smiling with commentaries on the days events and all of us laughing at the silliness of the world - in a very different time. You were a wonderful mosaic of the Ford/Washington family and will be deeply missed. Many Hugs and Warmest of Regards, Keith and the DiBene Family
Victoria Mayfield
December 12, 2010
Aunt Karen.
Thank you for being a great example for me in my life. I miss you so much, but find comfort in knowing that you are in a much better place now. I'll try my best to keep you proud.Love you and my amazing cousin Trevor so so much!
jessica jones
December 11, 2010
love you!
Grizzley Creek State Park
December 10, 2010
Christopher Ford
December 10, 2010
Karen, I'm going to miss you so much and
your phone calls. You were my big sister by my side from birth and we shared so much, growing up together. You were a wonderful caring person, compassionate and always thinking of others. The pain is so great with your passing. The only comfort to get through this hard time is family, friends and knowing that life here on earth is short and I will see you again. Lenard and I will love you forever in our hearts.
Love you, your brother, Christopher
Loretta Jordan
December 10, 2010
Our love goes to the family of Karen, even though we didn't know her, we knew of the many who were involved in attending the Apostolic Faith Sunday School, and her son Trevor, who came and I was his beginner teacher. He was such a cute little guy! Our love to all of you, Loretta and Don Jordan
Delores Jones
December 10, 2010
To the Ek, Ford and Washington Family, on behalf of our family, we send our condolences. We grew up around the Ford/Washington family in our younger days with Karen in Eureka, we once live in the same house/apartment, they lived upstairs and we live downstairs. Karen was shy but very smart and had a big smile. Some of us have moved away but every now in then, one of the family members would check in. Know that GOD has his child back and he will continue to send his Angels to watch over her family. Many Blessings to you all. Love from Vic and Delores Jones,(aka Snowton) The Snowton Family, Webb Family and Rice Family.
December 10, 2010
Colette Washington
December 10, 2010
Join Family & Friends Celebrating Karen's Life:
---------------------------
Saturday, December 11, 2010
---------------------------
Graveside Service: (3-4 p.m.) Sunrise Cemetery - 3315 Newburg Rd., Fortuna, CA. Officiating: Pastor George Demant
Potluck Reception: (4-6 p.m.) Fortuna Fire Station - 320 S. Fortuna Blvd., Fortuna, CA
Thank you EVERYONE for your loving words of condolence. It means so much.
My tribute to my sis, Karen is posted separately but I wanted you all to have the gathering info. Hope to see you there.
Many blessings to you and yours,
Zack Murphy
December 10, 2010
Trevor, I want you to know how much Zack has been with you in spirit and heartfelt thought during this last month. Know that he loves you like a little brother and said several times how he wished he could be there in Sacramento with you. Love, Zack
ester watson
December 10, 2010
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Kathi Scarpellino
December 9, 2010
Trevor, Can you even imagine just how proud your mom is of you? You are an amazing young man and are so loved by all who know you. I think Karen always knew how much you mean to your big family and friends. She is smiling down on you and will always be.
Monica Arruda
December 9, 2010
Dear Aunt Karen,
I miss you & hope Trevor will be ok
I'm glad you're not in pain any more.
Sad you are not with us, see you in heaven.
xoxoxo
Love, Niece Monica
Manuel & Judy Arruda
December 9, 2010
Our condolences to the Ford family. Karen was a good caring person. We only hope your pain will ease soon.
Laurie Ford
December 9, 2010
Trevor and the Ford Family, So sorry to hear of the pssing of your loved one. She was a great and caring person, and will be very missed by everyone that knew her and loved her. Calvin and Laurie Ford
Trevor all grown up with his pal Roscoe
Colette Washington
December 9, 2010
Karen and son Trevor
Colette Washington
December 9, 2010
Karen (Ford) Ek
Colette Washington
December 9, 2010
Emmie & John Peterson
December 9, 2010
Trevor , Karen's Brothers, Sisters, Mom , family & friends of the family. I can only hope with time that the sorrow you are feeling today will ease. May you all find comfort in knowing that we care. I wish to express my deepest sympathy in your loss. I for one shall miss her smiling presence. There is an emptiness that only those who have lost a close relative can understand. May your memories be a source of comfort.
Mike Weekly
December 9, 2010
My heartfelt condolences goes out to the entire family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Cathy Gutierrez
December 9, 2010
I keep thanking of all the fun we had when we were kid ,at uncle Daves and Aunt Lyles ,going camping with my Dad and Mom and playing at each others houses,and in the broken down car in your yard on A St Tim was always the diver you Dale and I were the passagers what fun we all had .I was sure glad to spend time with you at the hospital ,Karen I will miss you for ever. Treaver you had the best Mom ever and she had the best son ever you were both blessed. Love Cathy
Char Strong
December 9, 2010
Thank you Trevor for Sharing Your Mother with us. She was truly remarkable and will be missed by so Many. Love You Char and Family
Colette Washington
December 9, 2010
Hey Big Sister-
We miss you, we love you, and we give thanks for you. I'm especially grateful for the time we had with you in your final days. Seeing you so OPEN and pure...relinquishing any and all feelings of inadequacy, which in the end were confirmed irrelevant--as they had always been.
You showed us dignity, grace, compassion, and bravery. And most of all you showed us the importance of LIFE: saying I love you, I'm sorry, please forgive me, and thank you--every day, around every corner.
Don't worry about Trevor. He is surrounded by FAMILY who love and care for HIM--a part of YOU--forever one of US.
Peace, gratitude, and abundant blessings for YOU, your LIFE, your LOVE, and your GIFT to all of us in Trevor. Fly FREE now and for evermore. And so it is.
Always your sister,
Jean and Frank Arruda Jr.
December 9, 2010
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Paul & Barbie Ford
December 9, 2010
Karen...you were loved. You will never be forgotten but deeply missed. Trevor... I don't have any words of wisdom to offer because there are no words that can make this better. However, it is our hope that in time you may draw the strength from family and friends to help ease the pain from the loss of your mother. Aunt Gladys, Karen's brothers, sisters and the many family members and friends...we are sorry for the loss of Karen. The loss of a loved one leaves a massive void in our hearts that's only healed with time, slowly but never fully. Stay strong and remember the times that were spent with her.
You are all in our prayers.
Paul, Barbie & Sons
Showing 1 - 64 of 64 results
Make a Donation
in Karen Ek's name
Memorial Events
for Karen Ek
How to support Karen's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Karen Ek's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
