Karen Arave

Karen Gae (Jenson) Arave passed peacefully in her sleep on December 13, 2025, while visiting her son, Brian, in Wickenburg, Arizona.

Karen was born in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to Eugene Jay and Erma Dean (Smith) Jenson on January 16, 1942. Her father, known as Jay, hauled milk for a living. She was the fourth child of six, sister, DeAnn; brothers, Monte, and Ronnie; then following her, Terry and Tom.

When Karen was four years old the family moved to a farm in Clark. She grew up riding her father's team of draft horses. She attended Clark Elementary to 8th grade and Ririe High School the remaining four years.

Karen often rode her horse, Bally, to school, especially on “Cowboy Day.” She was the Ringleader of the Ririe Rhythmettes her Freshman through Senior years, and sang with a group called the Sextettes, a group of six, and she sang alto. She also played the violin.

At the ages of 14 & 15, Karen was the Jefferson County Rodeo Queen. She also participated in the county fair horse races, and the Jenson kids were the ones to beat. She also wore the War Bonnet Rodeo Queen crown and won horsemanship at the Idaho State Rodeo Queen Contest representing Idaho Falls.

After High School, she moved to Arizona and worked for Porters, a western and tack store, for three years before returning to Idaho Falls. In the Fall of 1963, she and Neal K Arave were wed. She was employed by Sears department store until her second child was born. Neal and Karen were proud parents of three children, Brian J, Daryl K and daughter Toni Jo.

In the Fall of 1967, the Arave's purchased a run-down property and built the first indoor riding arena in all of Southeast Idaho. They both trained horses, put on clinics and mentored many youth and adults at this facility.

In 1986 the Arave family moved their training business to a warmer climate, Hemet, California, and lived there until 2021. Neal and Karen had wanted to live in Arizona for years and made that happen in the spring of 2021. They purchased a home with a few acres, pens and arena. Neal passed that same year in December.

Karen had a gift with horses and people. She trained many barrel horses and coached many through her talents. She was the epitome of what it meant to be a Cowgirl and even Horseman. She was kind, patient, giving, humble and had a great sense of humor. Her example and knowledge of the horse live on through many she influenced.

Karen is survived by her son, Brian J Arave; daughter, Toni Jo Arave; granddaughter, Fallon Taylor Arave; grandsons, Will Joseph Arave and Kaden James Arave; daughters-in-law, Sandy Arave and Irish Arave.

She is preceded in death by husband Neal K Arave and son Daryl K Arave.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, December 22, 2025, at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 South Ammon Road. The family will visit with friends from 10:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. prior to services. The service will be broadcast live on this page. Burial will be in Taylor Cemetery.