Born: Thursday Sep-09-1954
Died: Sunday Sep-15-2024
Funeral: Saturday Nov-02-2024

Morrison Funeral Home
& Crematory
188 S. Hwy 24
Rupert, Idaho 83350
Contact and Directions

Karen Rene Johnson

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our mother,

Karen Rene Johnson, of Acequia, Idaho. She passed away Sunday morning, September 15th, 2024, after a battle with cancer. She was born on Sept 9,1954, to Bob and Audrey Shepherd in Maywood, California.

She is survived by her mother, Audrey Shepherd, of Fulton, TX; her children, Amy Huie and husband Jimmy Huie, of Greenwood, AR; Cristie Busby and husband Dan Busby, of Belgrade, MT; Brian Gehrke and wife Angie Gehrke, of Fort Smith, AR; two grandchildren that she adored, Brielle Gehrke, of Van Buren, AR; and Madison Busby, of Belgrade, MT; her sister, Sheryl Bray, of Amarillo, TX; her brother, Larry Shepherd and wife Jo Jo Shepherd, of Fulton, TX, along with many nieces and nephews. She also had many friends in the Burley, ID, Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses that she considered family.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 32 years, Thomas Johnson, and her father, Bob Shepherd.

The first ten years of her life was spent in New Mexico. That’s when her grandfather, Papaw, moved the family to Bell Gardens, CA. She was married at a young age to Terry Gehrke in June 1971 and became a mother of three by the time she was 24. She took college courses a few years later and enjoyed many jobs in office administration. She grew many more friends when her family moved to Woodland, Washington. She grew even more friends when, in October 1990, she married Tom Johnson and moved her family to Idaho.

As one of Jehovah's Witnesses, our mom, Karen, had a strong faith in God and spent a lot of time sharing her hope for the future with others. She loved her friends in the Burley congregation and considered them family. She had lots of friends in every congregation she was a part of. She was known to be such a happy person and always had a big smile on her face. With a big smile and kind words, she would approach anyone if she knew they needed help. She was very generous and knew how to throw a great backyard party!  

To know her was to love her. You won’t find anyone who doesn’t like or respect her. She was a friend to anyone. Known for her hospitality, she would say “when I say make yourself at home, I mean it. Go grab yourself something from the fridge.” She loved to cook and bake for others. Being such a social person, she had countless parties at her home over the years, even up to a month before her death. That is an interest that was passed down to us kids. Many people remember her throwing ‘50s parties, among others. She would also make costumes with other parents and dress us young kids in bible characters so we could act out bible stories in front of an audience. This was one way she taught the love of the Bible to us kids. From a very early age, she would pray with us kids and teach us about her God Jehovah, including him in many conversations. She would direct us to the Bible when we needed help. It is the best gift she gave us kids, and we thank her for that.

She had a love of photography and took many professional photos of family and friends. Blue ribbon awards were won for some of her photography work. She was humble, friendly, comical, and down to earth. She loved the young ones around her. They would call her “Grandma Karen.” She enjoyed Hallmark movies and dramas but hated sitcoms. She and her husband, Tom, would go camping often, sharing their love of nature. She was well informed on gardening, country music, the Bible, crafting, and the technology of the time. Us kids were impressed by the fact that she was often the one helping others with their devices. She has been a bookkeeper for many years and had her own business taking care of many clients in the area. She enjoyed working with her clients. When she “retired” and started the home business, she was able to better care for her husband and mother in their later years. She will be greatly missed by many.

There will be a memorial service at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses at 233 W 3rd St N, Burley ID Saturday, November 2nd, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. Text Brian at 479-739-8688 for zoom info.

A live webcast of the service will be available at the following Link:

Condolences:

Our sister Karen was such a beautiful example of a Christian wife, and friend. We have such fond memories of her and Tom hosting Congregation get togethers at there place. Hard working she was. Rest a little while our dear sister, soon Jehovah God our heavenly father will call and you will rise to continue being the hard working sister from before but e energized. Rest for now...Hector and Josie Fuentes

Karen really was a great person to know. I remember her backyard parties. And yes I remember her always wearing a smile. We are so grateful for the hope Jehovah has given us all. Our love goes out to all of you, and we hope to see you soon. May Jehovah give you comfort and peace of mind. Love you guys...Simon and Leti Martinez

I was so sad to hear about your mother and our friend. I met Karen and you kids in Woodland and would see her at assemblies and conventions. She was truly the sweetest person, always happy to see others and gives hugs. I am so sorry for your loss, but so happy your faith is strong...Cathy Newberry

Karen was the sweetest lady, She was our Bookkeeper for our business and we had the pleasure of doing work for her at her home. We also considered her a dear friend. She was always such a pleasant person to be around and talk to. She will be dearly missed, Our prayers go out to her family...Barbie and Rob Thornton

So sorry to her children and grandchildren for the loss of their mother and grandmother. She will be greatly missed. But we look forward to seeing her beautiful smile again soon in the new world to come... Michael and Diana Vachon

Karen was such a happy person. I could always count on her such a good friend and kind person. Yes sitting around the fire and the good conversation. Sleep well my friend...Jeanne Goin

We will miss having dinners at your house and our games of Mexican train but most of all, we will miss you. Until we see each other again. We love you. Then we can pick up where we left off. See you in the New System...Love Sel and Randy.

I got to know Karen initially over zoom during the pandemic with a group of brothers and sisters who also run bookkeeping businesses. Karen was fun, spunky and always had a cheerful attitude. I honestly can’t think of her without her big smile. She was also thoughtful and ready with helpful suggestions. I can imagine it would’ve been a joy to be in the same congregation with her. I’m so sorry for her loss and wish her family my sincere condolences. Until we get to see each other again…Karen Bertrand

I am so sorry to hear this Amy ,Brian and family my our God Jehovah give you all you need in this time of sorrow. Your Sister friend in Albuquerque. ..Sandy

Sorry for your (temporary) loss. I remember a pretty good trip to California to Karen’s parents house, playing in the water park and visiting old train stations...Brent Metteer

We met Karen and the kids when we moved to Woodland, Washington in 1988. We especially remember a 1950's party at her house with all the kids dressed up and lip-syncing songs! Fun times! Karen was always happy, always in a good mood, and she was a great friend. Amy, Christy, Brian – so very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you wait to see your mom again soon in that beautiful new system we all long for, just around the corner... Greg & Rita Newberry

On behalf of Santos Lloyd Law Firm, P.C. in Newport Beach, California, we extend our deepest condolences to you and your family during this difficult time. Karen was not only an integral part of our team as our remote bookkeeper, but she also ensured our financial reporting and tax compliance were always up to date.

Her dedication and professionalism were deeply valued, and she played an essential role in keeping our firm running smoothly. Karen’s attention to detail and willingness to go above and beyond did not go unnoticed, and she will be greatly missed by all of us.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May Karen rest in peace, and may you find strength and comfort in the days ahead...Santos Lloyd Law Firm, P.C. (Finance Team)

We've had the privilege of knowing Karen for nearly 50 years. Her friendship was open hearted and immediate. She always had a strong and steady heart, no matter what she faced, she never wavered in her faith & trust in Jehovah and she worked hard to help her children develop that same love & trust, they are 3 of her greatest legacies…we may not be able to mention all the good qualities she possessed, but she would attribute them all to Jehovah, who molded this wonderful lady into a person of real beauty.
Be seeing you soon Dear friend. I can't wait to see your beautiful children welcome you back into their wide open arms. With love and prayers to all your family, Ivy Johnson

My meeting & contact with Karen was she demonstrated being a Christian, always smiling & a Happy person. Sorry for your loss and I will keep you in my prayers. Shirley M. West