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Karen Applewhite Obituary
Scottsdale - Karen Miller Applewhite, 86, of Scottsdale, AZ passed away on April 30, 2021. Karen was born in Phoenix and lived in the Valley all her life. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa from University of Arizona followed by a brief career as a newspaper columnist, before marrying Sam P. Applewhite III in 1957. Sam and Karen were married for 57 wonderful years before Sam's passing and raised three children. Karen was a prolific artist, writer, and crafter and spent many years documenting the history of Greer, Arizona where she spent her summers since early childhood. She authored and illustrated On the Road to Nowhere, A History of Greer Arizona and with Sam, founded the Butterfly Lodge Museum in Greer. She was the dedicated curator of that museum for many years. Karen also loved to hike and explore Arizona's many trails and habitats. Karen is survived by children: Robin (Chris), Jennifer, Todd (Becky) and grandchildren Audrey and Trevor. A private family memorial will be held. Donations can be made to Butterfly Lodge Museum in Greer, Arizona.
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Memories and Condolences
for Karen Applewhite
2 Entries
Rich Smith
May 15, 2021
I only met Karen a few times at the museum, some 25 years ago. She helped me procure a copy of WIllard Schultz's book "In the Great Apache Forest," about the summer a teenage George Crosby spent during WW I manning the fire lookout at the top of Mt. Baldy. My father had read it as a child and always talked about it. Thanks to Karen, we were so able to give it to him a few years before his own death. I had earlier "On the Road to Nowhere," which is also part of Dad's collection. Thanks so much to Karen for helping to make Greer such a special place!
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Sue Leonard
May 14, 2021
Karen was a dear friend whom I loved for many years. I will miss her more than I could ever express. She was a unique person who expressed herself in her art and writing in very special ways--never to be forgotten. I'm sure she is with God at this moment. I will continue to support the Butterfly Lodge and Pavillion in her and Sam's memory.
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