GERKEN, Karen Marie

(Maiden Name: Fortney)

The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona, Saturday, May 23, 2015 Karen Marie Gerken went to join our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday, May 3, 2015 at her home in Silt, Colorado, ending a long battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her loved ones, and was showered with affection. Karen is survived by her husband Greg; daughters, Megan (Aaron) Hanna and Melody (TC) Turner; four brothers, Gary, Kevin (Suzi), Rod (Peg) and Murray (Louise); six grandchildren; two nieces, Erin Fortney and Alexandra Fortney; and one nephew, Ryan (Emily) Fortney. Karen was born to Harold and Mary Fortney in Cincinnati, Ohio on Dec. 17, 1947. Five brothers followed, Gary, Brian, Kevin, Rod and Murray. Karen was a nurturer from early on, playing mother hen to her little brothers. Karen ultimately moved to Richmond, Indiana, where her two daughters, Megan and Melody, were born and where she met the love of her life, Greg Gerken. Always up for an adventure, Karen and Greg moved their family to Arizona in 1982. While hesitant at first about living with scorpions, red ants and cacti, Karen grew to love the Southwest. Unexpectedly, she became a "spider whisperer," with a strong affinity for tarantulas. In 1984, the family moved to Prescott Valley, Arizona, where the couple stayed until the early 2000s. In 2012, Karen and Greg left Arizona and moved to Colorado to be closer to their daughters, sons-in-law and six grandchildren, Easton, Bradley, Ashlynn, Coltin, Allison and Gwendolyn. Staying true to her nurturer spirit, Karen always found someone or something to love. In addition to showering her husband and daughters with love and affection, she adopted many pets and helped too many people to list - from the elderly to the young, from the disabled to the disheartened. People were drawn to Karen's gracious and genuine spirit, and she was truly loved. She was quick to give of herself, whether through a well-thought-out gift, a word of encouragement, a warm hug, a much-needed service, compassion or a prayer. Her kind words and gentle spirit brought joy and encouragement to so many souls. Condolences may be sent to Greg Gerken, 420 N. 5th Street, Silt, CO 81652. Information provided by survivors.
Posted by Sharla on May 26, 2015

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