Karen Duane Fullmer

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Karen D. Fullmer, a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She passed away peacefully in her new home in Spokane, on November 1, 2024. Karen was the daughter of Alice Boucher Shannon and Duane Leonard Moore, born in Fullerton California August 21, 1944. 

Karen grew up in Santa Clara and Bakersfield, CA, Karen moved to Utah to attend Brigham Young University majoring in fabric and textiles. She joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 17 years old against her parents' wishes, and stayed true to her faith throughout her life. 

Karen met Gary when he came to pick up her roommate for a date, Gary saw Karen, and the roommate was forgotten. Karen and Gary were married for time and all eternity in the Oakland Temple on September 14, 1965. They shared a loving marriage for 58 years until Gary’s passing in 2023. 

Karen’s husband Gary was drafted into the Army in 1966 and served until 1970. Karen was able to follow Gary throughout his service, living in San Antonio, Texas, and Stuttgart, Germany. They moved between California, Utah, and Washington throughout their lives. Karen was a homemaker at heart, making each place we lived feel like home. She was always the hub of her family and put her heart and soul into raising her children. 

Karen had many careers in her lifetime, but the one that brought her the most joy was that of mom and grandma. With 6 children, 18 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren and 2 more on the way, her capacity to love was enormous. She was also a professional seamstress, genealogist, cake decorator, and amazing baker. 

Karen is survived by her sister Elizabeth McKnight of MN, her 6 children, Gary Jr. (Suzanne) of WA, Shannon (Francis) of UT, Angela (Troy) of UT, William (Kerry) of UT, John of UT, Ellen of WA, her sister Elizabeth McKnight of MN, her 18 grandchildren, Ian (Aili) Fullmer, Sean Fullmer, Alex Quan, Emily (Romina) Killpack, Brady (Makayla) Quan, Nathan Quan, Tiffany (Chris) Green, Elise (Philip) Coleman, Michael (Buttons) Henson, Andrew (J.J.) Frailey-Henson, Jared Henson, Amy Henson, Angel (Chris) Andreasen, Katya Fullmer, Gavin (Maegan) Hill, Carter Hill, Hailey Hill, Oliver Hill, great-grandchildren Archer Quan, Alden Quan, Astrid Coleman.