Karen Jones Brown

1940 - 2025

On December 4, 2025, Karen Jones Brown peacefully passed after a lengthy illness, surrounded by family at the Beehive of Dillon. Karen was born October 6, 1940, in Rexburg, Idaho, to James Hyrum Jones, Jr, and Klea Christine (McKinlay) Jones. She grew up in various Idaho towns and in Armstead, Montana.

In 1957, she met the love of her life, and, after a whirlwind courtship, married Carl Chris Brown on November 9th, 1957, in Salmon, Idaho. Carl and Karen couldn't wait to start their family and were soon joined by Julie, Kathy and Kristy. After spending their early marriage years in Idaho, they moved to Dillon, Montana, in 1963, which has been Karen's home ever since.

A wonderful cook and creative seamstress, Karen was also much loved for her service and friendship. After her girls were grown and married, she went back to school, earning her GED and an associate degree at Montana Western, serving as an example of continual learning. She worked for many years as an aide in the Dillon Schools.

She found great joy in her 13 grandchildren. Karen spent hundreds of hours on the floor playing with them and attended every activity she was able to do. She always told them "Grandma's kids are the best!" She has also been blessed with 33 great-grandchildren.

Karen was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Dillon 2nd Ward for over 60 years, serving in many capacities, and always sang in the choir.

In her final years in the Beehive, Karen was an unofficial greeter for new residents and shared her cheerful sayings, love of music, and joyful perspective with all.

Karen was preceded in death by her loving husband Carl, her sister Kay, brother Jim, and parents James and Klea; she also lost a granddaughter, Kimmy, and great-grandson, Roman.

She is survived by daughters Julie (Rick) Carpenter, Kathy (Dennis) Jones, and Kristy (Don) Staley; grandchildren Ryan (Jenn) Carpenter, April Reints, Michael Carpenter, Jameson Carpenter, David Carpenter, Steven Carpenter, Kendall Carpenter, BreAnne (Jared) Hardin, Braden (Rickie) Jones, Brittny (Steven) Bird, Bryant (Kori) Jones, and Kevin (Chantyl) Staley; 32 great-grandchildren; sister Jan Boehm and brother Lee (Cae) Hurst; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family is so grateful for the excellent and loving care she received from the Beehive staff, Honeybee Hospice and Dr. Sandra McIntyre.

Services will be held Saturday, December 13, 2025, at the Dillon Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The viewing and visit with family will be from 9:00-10:15 am, and the service will begin at 10:30. Interment will be in Mountain View Cemetery immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Dillon Concert Association, PO Box 53, Dillon, MT 59725, or HoneyBee Hospice, 1000 State Hwy. 91 South, Dillon, MT 59725.

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