Karen Johnson

1963 - 2025

Karen Belle Johnson, born in Phoenix, Arizona on September 18, 1963, passed away peacefully on November 19, 2025, surrounded by family, in Scottsdale, Arizona, at the age of 62.
Karen was the third child of Bill and Nelda Spradlin. She spent most of her childhood in Phoenix before moving with her family to Safford during her junior year of high school. She attended Safford High School, where she proudly cheered on the Bulldogs as a member of the cheer squad. After graduation, she returned to the Phoenix area to begin her career in finance. While working at Morgan Stanley, she met her husband, Craig Johnson. The two married and built a beautiful life together in Scottsdale.
Karen was a devoted wife, a loving stepmother to five stepdaughters, and a proud grandmother of seven. She adored her family deeply and showed her love through generosity, celebration, and humor. Karen had a vibrant spirit-feisty, funny, and full of personality. She had a gift for celebrating the people she cared about, and she celebrated life with equal enthusiasm. Her birthday wasn't just a day; it was a month-long event that she embraced with joy every year.
She loved to shop, travel the world, and enjoy a good meal-especially at Outback Steakhouse or Ajo Al's where she was a regular. Karen found happiness in simple pleasures and in making memories with the people she loved most. Her sense of humor, kindness, and love for adventure will be missed beyond measure.
Karen adored her dog, Lucky, and was known for spoiling him-along with everyone else's pets-with treats, love, and constant affection; her family finds comfort knowing Lucky and Karen's dad were there to joyfully greet her in heaven.
Karen is survived by her husband, Craig; step daughters Sara (Minh Ta) Johnson, Molly (Don) Fitzsimmons, Megan (Ashley) Akens, Becky Johnson, and Jill Johnson; her mother, Nelda Spradlin; sister Sherry (Bill) Hathaway; and brother Paul (Celeste) Spradlin. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren: Kalli and Ryker Fitzsimmons, Evelyn and Finnegan Akens, Connor Johnson, and Jeff and Elliot Johnson-Ta; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family who loved her dearly.
A Celebration of Life will be held in Scottsdale on December 6, 2025, where family and friends will gather to honor Karen's unforgettable life.