Karen Marie Thompson Shaeffer

Karen Marie Thompson Shaeffer, 63 passed away in her home on April 3rd, 2024. From West Jordan, but with ties to the Uinta Basin, to say that she will be greatly missed is a vast understatement.

Married to her husband Bart for 42 years, they were constantly having one adventure or another. Karen worked hard and achieved her master’s degree in business administration, showing by her own example of the importance of education. She was the driving force behind many of her family members to receive and finish their degrees.

She was a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and planted seeds in everyone she met that there were angels looking over them and that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ loves them. She worked tirelessly with a number of organizations over the years, but the Young Women’s program held a very special place in her heart.

Everyone has their version of Karen, but they all end up being the same. She is instantly your friend, so much so that the city of West Jordan gave her their Good Neighbor Award. She always had the best of intentions for those she came in contact with.

Working with The Pepsi Co company she truly came alive in her work. She was in the perfect position, she got to go to different businesses and talk with people. Finding out what they needed and how she could help. She planned on working with Pepsi Co until she retired.

She was a huge sports fan, The Utah Jazz, BYU, The Cubs, she loved watching with her family. It didn't matter what it was, if it involved her family, she was in. A great lover of the outdoors, she would pack up their trailer and head to the lake to spend time with her family. Boating, playing on ATVs, sitting around a campfire, she was Intune with nature and loved camping.

Her true love, outside of her husband and her faith was her grandchildren. She was very involved with everything they were doing. She wanted to be at it all, it didn't matter if it was trivial or a grand production, she was the biggest fan and the most excited to hear about whatever they were interested in. She had an amazing relationship with them all collectively and also individually.

She would call them because she missed them, to see what they were up to and to hear about their day. Her grandkids never had to wonder if they were loved, or if she was there. She made her presence known and involved herself with them. Truly the best.

If you get the chance, let them tell you their stories of their Grandma Karen. They know they are loved and cherished. She is preceded in death by her parents and sister Tressa and brother Roy among many loved ones. Survived by her husband Bart, sons James (Melissa) Michael (Alyssa) David (Patricia) Grandkids, GT, Shaylyn, Xavier, Jasmine, Urijah, Tenley, Hailey. Countless friends and wonderful extended family. The Shaeffer family has been blessed by your kindness and your love. Thank you for all that you have done.

'You Are My Sunshine' was her favorite song to sing to the kids and will always bring about special memories for them. Take a moment and send a silent hug to her grandkids. They need all the love and support that she is no longer here to give.

If you would like to send flowers you can do so to Barts house @ 3274 W 6610 So. West Jordan, Utah 84084. If you would like to contribute financially you can do so here by Venmo @Melissa-Shaeffer-1.

A viewing in Karens honor will be held at the ward house at 6364 S 3200 W. From 5 PM to 9 PM on Friday April 12th and again at 9-9:45 Saturday April 13th. Services will start at 10 AM on Saturday April 13th, and the graveside service will be located at the Memorial Redwood Cemetery at 11:30 am. Lunch at the above-mentioned ward house will be held after the graveside service.

For those who cannot attend but would like to we will be streaming the service on Karens Facebook page by clicking here.