Karen Graves

Karen Greenwood Gardner Graves, 76, of Idaho Falls, passed away September 15, 2021, at her daughter’s home, after a courageous fight with Alzheimer’s. She was a dedicated and beloved mother, loving and cherished wife, teacher and musician.

Karen was born June 20, 1945, in Murray, Utah, to Lucile (Peggy) Sudbury-Greenwood and Ted L. Greenwood.

Mrs. (Gardner) Graves, a much-respected and loved teacher of more than 30 years, was well received by her students as a music specialist in both Hawaii and Utah (Iroquois Point, Makakilo, Hilo, Lindon, American Fork). She masterfully and enthusiastically taught her students in music appreciation and singing. As technology entered the schools, she became a Computer Specialist, teaching basic skills, maintaining networks, authoring educational programs, and managing web sites.

Karen finished her career teaching Third Grade. Her students there excelled in all subjects, including writing, art and music. She produced self-disciplined and motivated students, laying a solid foundation for their continued education. She received Teacher of the Year recognition and was qualified to teach the gifted and talented.

Over her lifetime Karen devoted many hours of service in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- day Saints as church organist, choir accompanist, and primary music, many Relief Society roles and choir director. She was organist for the Mount Timpanogos Temple dedication ceremony in October 1996. She has written scripts and directed several road shows or skits, one with a well-received original musical score. She has also composed other pieces for piano and full-choir.

She is survived by her first husband, A. Royal Gardner; their children and spouses, Kathryn (Shaun) Mitchell, Gregory (Catherine) Gardner, Joseph Gardner, Jennifer Yates, Andrea (Jared) Young; and her 12 cherished grandchildren, David, Hannah, Kylei, Jordan, Alexis, Ryen, George, Jack, Shannon, Tiana, Skyler and Clara. She is preceded in death by her second husband, Clane Graves, married on August 12, 2010, and later sealed in the temple.

We would like to thank Cindy, Danny and her hospice team for making her last few months comfortable. A special thanks to Kristy Call, her companion and caretaker for the last 4 years. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer's Association in Karen's name.

"There are only two lasting bequests we can give our children: one is to give them roots, the other is to give them wings!" ~Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m., Thursday, September 23, 2021, at the Brookshire Ward, 3487 S. 1300 E., Salt Lake City, Utah, 84106.  The family will visit with friends from 1:00 p.m. until 1:45 p.m. prior to services. Burial will be at Memorial Mountain View Cemetery, 3115 E. Bengals Blvd., Cottonwood Heights, Utah, 84121.