Karma Kemp Wasden

Karma Kemp Wasden of St. George, Utah, passed away Sunday, November 30, 2025.

Karma was born February 27, 1935 to William Arthur Kemp and Wilma Lorine Higbee in St George Utah. She married the love of her life Jack LaMarr Wasden, October 25, 1952 in Mesquite, Nevada. They were sealed on November 25,1955 in the St. George temple.

She called St George home for the entirety of her youth. Her roots ran deep in the red rock reaches of Dixie, where she found respite in the rugged playground she called home. When she married, she found herself in Idaho where she raised her family. After their nest was empty, she and her husband returned to St George. 

She loved learning and received a Bachelor's (Suma cum laude) and Master's degrees from BYU. She taught as an assistant professor of English at BYU and Dixie College but the profession she loved most was spending her life singing and serving, and was most surely known for selflessly shepherding seven children.

Reading and writing were her true rhythm; her wellspring. Every story swept her away and she raised her children to relish the joy of reading. Her passion for reading and writing prompted her to join the poetry club in St George. She was a published author with a particular propensity for poetry, and she proudly received second prize in the Eliza R. Snow Poetry Contest in 1987 for her poem, "Manna."

She was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She loved to serve, especially in the temple. She served an LDS service mission with her husband at Dixie College working with young adults.

She loved singing and sang with multiple community choirs.

She and her husband enjoyed traveling the world from the Holy Land to Asia, Egypt and Alaska.

She is survived by her husband Jack LaMarr Wasden of St. George, Utah, her sister Ellen Cameron of Logandale, Nevada, Her children Marsha (Mac) Hatch, Gary (Dawn) Wasden, Lawrence (Tracey) Wasden, Shawna (Brian) Gibbs, Krista (Greg) Turner, and Brenda (Paul) Butikofer. 

She is preceded in death by Wilma and Arthur Kemp (parents), Gloria Bowler, Carol Tobler and Gwendolyn Frei (sisters), Sandra Criddle (daughter), Tammy Criddle (granddaughter), Richard Wasden (grandson), and Sunni Jean Wasden (great granddaughter).

She was blessed with 34 grandchildren, 88 great grandchildren, 2 great great-grandchildren and counting.

The funeral and memorial service will be held on December 12, 2025, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, River Ridge Ward Chapel (912 South 1740 East, St. George, Utah 84790), with a viewing from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., the funeral service at 11:00 a.m., and interment at 12:30 p.m. at the St. George Cemetery, 650 East Tabernacle St, St. George, Utah 84770.

Those unable to attend the service are invited to join and watch the provided livestream: Livestream Link

We would like to recognize the tireless helping hands that were present during this difficult time:

The staff of Home Health, as well as, Hospice especially: Rebekah Foster (Home Health nurse), Dr. Scott Foster, Chaplain Greg Wright, Brook (mom's personal angel), Anice (OT), Crystal (PT), Haley (Hospice nurse) and Sheri (social worker) for their gentle compassionate care.

Desert Oaks/Willows Memory Care Staff including: Dani, Kimberly, Glenda, Jasmine, Sarah, Heather, Amber, Vicki, Shelley, Nikole, Lilly, Amona, Sharaf, Kaydee, Taisho and Yvette, who meticulously cared for our mother in her final days and walked with us through the process.

The dear friends and neighbors: Mom's ministering sister (you know who you are), Blaine Stilson and Bill and Louise Seger for all your love, support and looking after.

Words cannot express our deepest gratitude.

Arrangements are made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 South Bluff Street, St. George, Utah. 435-673-2454.

Family and friends are invited to share their favorite memories of Karma on her digital memorial page below.