BOYER, Karen S.

Norvel Owens Mortuary, Flagstaff, Arizona Karen S Boyer (August 28, 1948 - November 17, 2014) Karen S. Boyer passed away peacefully at her home on November 17, 2014. Born August 28, 1948, in Sacramento, CA, Karen spent her first 8 years in Fair Oaks, CA. In 1956, she was transplanted to Fairhope, Alabama, on the eastern shore of Mobile Bay, where she spent glorious days swimming, fishing and sailing. Upon graduation from high school, she attended the University of Arizona, where she received her degree. She received a scholarship to study language in Mainz, Germany as a foreign exchange student for a year, and her lifelong love of foreign languages was born. After graduating from U of A, Karen worked at various jobs in Tucson, until joining the Army in 1974 to pursue her passion for travel and foreign language. Her career encompassed the world, including assignments at the Presidio in Monterey, the American War College, the Pentagon, NATO Headquarters in Verona, Italy, South Korea, Yemen and twice in the Inspector Generals Office. Like her mother, Karen was frequently the first woman to be assigned to a position. Because of her extraordinary facility with foreign languages , interpersonal skills and organizational abilities, Karen frequently found herself in charge of very large scale projects as well as critical "one-deep" assignments. She received numerous commendations and awards for her service, including Defense Meritorious Service Medals (twice), Meritorious Service Medal Joint Services Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal with 2 Oak Leaves, Joint Services Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Ribbon with Bronze Star, Army Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (3 times), Army Overseas Service Ribbon (3 times). She retired to Flagstaff in 1999, where she resided with her twin sister, Kris. After retirement, Karen worked at the NAU ROTC office where she used her vast experience and passion for serving her country to encourage young people to do the same. Karen's two years in the deserts of Yemen, compelled her to become an outspoken advocate for the protection, preservation, and wise use of the land and water resources of the Arizona Northern Plateau. Karen loved her community and those who served it, especially the Forest Highlands Fire Department, Coconino County Sheriffs Department, and the competent, compassionate staff of Flagstaff Medical Center and her team of specialists, who always respected her wishes. The staff of the Flagstaff VA held a very special place in Karen's heart for their care, support and service. The many people in the community whose lives Karen touched, are too numerous to list individually; but her family knows who you are and is deeply grateful for your love and support. Karen was predeceased by her mother, Virginia Sue Boyer, and her father, Stephen Joseph George. She is remembered with love by her sisters and brother, Kristen Liljedahl of Flagstaff, Susan Hulett of Sherman Oaks, CA, Carol Graybeal (Fred) of Chatham, NJ, Lisa Arthur of Flagstaff, and William Brant Boyer (Sherri) of Tucson, her nieces and nephews: Seth Liljedahl (Hyun), Kim Hulett-Sosa (Al), Scott Hulett, John Hulett (Anya), Larry Arthur, Lome Arthur, Logan Arthur (Sarah), Megan Arthur, Michelle Boyer, Danielle Boyer, her grand nephews and grand nieces, and her beloved dog, Ciccia, with whom she enjoyed some of her most precious moments walking in the Coconino National Forest, especially Fort Tuthill, Kachina Village and Mountainaire. A memorial service to honor Karen and her life will be held on Tuesday,November 25th, at 11:00 at the Norvel Owens Mortuary. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Paralyzed Veterans Association or to your favorite charity.