Kristine Kay Karren

Kristine Kay Karren was born on January 28, 1964, to Keith O. and Carol B. Karren. She was the last of their seven children. She was born in Seattle, Washington, where dad was finishing up his final years of dental school at the University of Washington.

She would never remember her early days living in Washington state, as the family moved back to Salt Lake City, Utah in June of that same year.

Kristy was raised in our old Herbert Avenue home. She had lots of neighborhood friends, and her early years were typical of a young girl's life.

However, as Kristy grew older, mom and dad would discover that certain things about her were different. Learning capabilities and behavioral patterns were not the same as most other children her age. She was taken to the University of Utah where genetic testing revealed that Kristy had a chromosome abnormality known as the 'ring chromosome 18 syndrome'. She also suffered from IgA deficiency which made her extraordinarily susceptible to ear, sinus, and bronchial infections. It was also later revealed that she had many learning difficulties, which would require some special education.

Kristy refused to see herself as 'different' and found many ways to live as normal a life as she could. She loved children and enjoyed helping in her ward Primary organization. She also found employment with elementary schools - working with other handicapped students and as a 'playground supervisor'. She worked to keep the children safe from harm and would intervene if she saw any bullying taking place.

Kristy loved to swim, play Bingo, watch scary movies, and attend family parties. She loved to play cards and learned the strategies of playing hearts. She took Karate lessons and was proud of her honorary advancements. She loved holidays and enjoyed decorating her home with whatever she could find. She loved having her outdoor Christmas lights in place all year round. Her favorite holiday seemed to be Halloween. She would spend the day dressing herself up as something scary and then would head off to her niece's home to pass out candy.

It was actually quite remarkable as to just how capable she was - given her mental and physical disabilities. She was a pro at getting around by UTA bus and was never shy about reaching out for help getting to or back from someplace she wanted to go. She was amazingly independent up until the past few years when medical issues began to take their toll.

Heavenly Father was very kind to her - even with her many mental and physical trials. As she faced her challenges head-on, her Father in Heaven watched over her continuously and never let anything serious or criminal happen to her - even though she was extremely trusting and vulnerable. We are all so grateful for the blessings and protection she received, and we have no doubt that she was deeply loved by her Father in Heaven

We love her and look forward to meeting the 'real Kristy' in the next life. Despite the frustrations we all dealt with in this life, we know she is a special soul, and we all anticipate meeting a much different person when we see each other again on the other side of the veil.

The Karren family would like to express deep appreciation to Kristy's ward family for all the special care they provided her through the years. Kristy was blessed with many wonderful ward neighbors and friends.

We know your kindnesses and generosities were many - and often done silently and without thanks. She especially appreciated the love and encouragement from Sharon Quinn, and we are grateful for her friendship.

We'd also like to thank her special friend Natalie, her home care aide who watched over her, took extraordinary care of her, and loved her like a sister. Kristy was very fond of her and appreciated all she did for her.

Kristy is preceded in death by her parents, Keith and Carol Karren. She is survived by her sisters Carolyn (Rick) Butz, Linda Radtke, Patty (John) Bowen, Nancy (Terry) Sparks; and brothers Wade (Janice) Karren, and Steve (Jennifer) Karren, and numerous nieces and nephews who were very fond of their Aunt Kristy and showered her with their love.