Karen Fowler

Karen Kay Fowler was born on July 17, 1954 in Ainsworth, NE to Carloss "Gene" and Jacqueline Joan (Witt) Fowler. She passed away on May 22, 2023 in Valentine, NE at the age of 68 years old at the Cherry County Hospital in Valentine after a brave and courageous battle with Kidney Failure and Pancreatic Cancer.
Karen was blessed with three (3) sons, Rodney in January 1972, Dallas in June of 1974 and Shawn in January 1979. Karen took great pride in the accomplishments of her children but being a Grandma was one of her proudest titles. She enjoyed following the events and activities of her children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and close friends of Dallas and Shawn. She was always there to offer a motherly touch and words of praise but also wasn't shy of letting you know you were making poor decisions.
Karen worked many jobs throughout her life. She worked at Pine View, and Rodco (Ron & Betty Rodgers). She later worked at St. Christophers and Bunkhouse for Tammy and Riley Sargent. She continued to work there after ownership changed to the Carr Family. Karen also worked for Henderson's IGA, Ward Plumbing & Heating and Conoco. No matter what job she held, she always took pride in doing it with her strong work ethic and dedication.
Karen had a deep love for family and friends and enjoyed spoiling her grandchildren, nieces and nephews and children of close friends. She enjoyed bowling, playing cards, and spent many hours playing Yahtzee with her Aunt Judy, Sid and Kim. Karen was a dedicated Cubs fan and enjoyed watching baseball on TV with her boys. She also enjoyed listening to Elvis and Alan Jackson.
Karen received her initial cancer diagnosis in late 1999. She used her determination, can do attitude and never give up personality to get her through months of chemo, radiation and burn care. In 2000, she received a cancer free diagnosis. After her own struggle with cancer, Karen wanted to help others. She became an instrumental person in starting the Relay for Life in Valentine. She spent countless hours coordinating the events and participating as a Survivor.
Karen was a 20+ year cancer survivor. She was diagnosed with Kidney Failure in March of 2022 and Pancreatic Cancer in December 2022. Regardless of what Karen was dealt, she used her determination and will to fight to begin treatments. Karen lost her courageous battle on May 22, 2023.
Karen is survived by sons Dallas and Shawn Fowler, grandsons, Braxton Coleman, Kane Fowler and Gene & Kenyan Keiber, and a Great Granddaughter Eva, as well as brothers, Gary, Craig, Donnie and Dennis, her sister Penny Frye, and her Aunt Judy Mayhew, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Karen was proceeded in death by her parents, Gene & Jackie Fowler, her son Rodney, her brother Jim, sister-in-law, Elsie Fowler and brother-in-law, Terry Frye. Karen will be remembered for her love of family and friends, her enormous heart and generosity, her strong work ethic and determination.
Funeral service for Karen Fowler age 68 of Valentine will be held on Saturday, May 27 at 10:00 AM at the Valentine Methodist Church in Valentine. Burial will follow at the Ainsworth Cemetery in Ainsworth. Visitation will be on Friday, May 26 starting at 5:00 PM at Sandoz Chapel of the Pines in Valentine. Miss Fowler passed away on May 22 at the Cherry County Hospital in Valentine.