Obituary of Karen L. Davis

Karen Davis - July 30, 1964 – August 30, 2023

Karen Davis passed away peacefully on August 30, 2023, surrounded by her family who will continue to honor her legacy by sticking to their budget, collecting great bottles of wine, and creating excel spreadsheets for vacation meal planning.

Karen experienced many FIRSTS in her lifetime, First Daughter, First Grandchild, First Great-Grandchild, First College Graduate, and First to Leave. Karen was a beautiful force that cannot be summed up in a sentence, verse, or even a chapter; and any attempt to do so will never adequately articulate the incredible woman that became a mother to her 5 younger sisters long before she gave birth to her amazing daughter, Eva. But we will do our best!

Karen completed her bachelor’s degree at James Madison University in Virigina. In true Wonder Woman fashion, she became a special agent for FDIC. Upon her retirement in 2018, her sisters helped her strut into her life of leisure with a groovy Disco Party!

Karen dealt with her painful and devasting illness as she did with all life challenges - head on, with amazing strength, incredible courage, and a wicked sense of humor.  Despite the pain, Karen was taking care of her family, making travel arrangements to ensure that they we were all together at the end.

Karen was known for her sense of style, elegant grace, and tenacity, but it is her selflessness and sense of humor that we will miss the most. Whether it was laughing at herself or at one of her sisters’ antics, the laugh lines on her face were well earned and a testament to Karen’s love of life.

Davis family dinners were legendary with lively conversations lasting long after the meal ended. During her time building the New Mexico, house alongside her husband, she mastered drywall, tiling, flooring, and so much more. It is a testament to her willingness to learn new things and was a labor of love. Karen was a natural fit in the Davis family, quickly becoming an integral part of their circle, being raised in a family of full of witty and prankster sisters, eased her right into the Davis Dynasty.  Uncle Monie, who always referred to Karen as the ‘Ugly’ sister, passed away just hours after Karen. In true Karen fashion we are sure he was greeted with – “You’re late!” before giving him a big hug.

The simplest of pleasures in life brought great joy to Karen, she loved spending time in the kitchen creating delicious meals with her family, a nice glass of wine, a quiet evening with friends, or a not so quiet evening with her five sisters playing Rummikub.

Karen loved the outdoors whether she was sitting on the porch, reading at the beach, chatting with neighbors, or informing her nieces and nephews – It’s a beautiful day - Go Outside! She also enjoyed traveling to new places including visiting National Parks, hiking in the Guatemalan jungle, and going on a safari in the African Savanna.

Karen is survived by her grandmother, Mary Sanford; Husband of 31 years, Rusty Davis, Daughter, Eva Davis; Sisters, Trish Copp (Mike), Pamela Lundy (Scott), Krista Kraja (Yogi), Nancy Underwood, and Kelly Meyer (Kurt); Sister in Laws, Arlene Davis (Dan), and Lisa Davis; Nieces and Nephews, Brittne Cook, Bethany Cook, Bryson Cook, Nate Kraja, Trey Meyer, and Destiny Underwood. She is also survived by countless family members and friends.

The Davis family would like to thank the amazing doctors and nurses that treated Karen. Their compassion and dedication will not be forgotten. In lieu of the flowers, please make donations to Goodwin Hospice. A Celebration of Life Ceremony will be scheduled at a later date.