Karen Childs

Karen Childs
May 29, 1941 – September 20, 2026

Karen Childs passed away on September 20, 2026, in Murray, Utah, with her loving husband of 66 years, Russell, by her side, surrounded by their three children and their spouses.

Karen was born May 29, 1941, in Gunnison, Utah, to Vaudis Arbilla Elmen Jorgensen and Clement Carl Jorgensen.

Karen and Russell met during their junior year at Gunnison High School, beginning a love story that would span more than six decades. They were married on January 2, 1960, and later sealed for time and all eternity in the Manti Utah Temple on January 4, 1967.

Karen was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served willingly in many callings throughout her life. One of her most treasured opportunities to serve was alongside Russell as they completed two six-month missions at Martin’s Cove in 2012 and 2013. Her willingness to serve and care for others was an example to everyone around her—although those who knew her best also knew not to ask her to give a talk or say the prayer.

Above everything else, Karen loved her family. She was the glue that held them together and taught generations of her family the importance of simply showing up for one another. She was everyone’s biggest cheerleader and supporter, always there to celebrate the good times and offer love and strength through the hard times.

Karen had a way of making people feel loved, welcomed, and included. She was a loyal friend and a caring, loving, and selfless wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother.

Karen leaves behind a family that will forever feel the influence of the life she lived and the love she gave so freely.

She is survived by her husband, Russell Childs; their three children, Sheri Lovendahl (Rick), Brad Childs (Anna), and Bruce Childs (Lisa); her sister, Arlou Edwards; her brother, Kay Jorgensen (Jackie); 16 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

A viewing will be held Wednesday, September 23, 2026, from 6:00–8:00 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 4558 South 600 East.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, September 24, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 4558 South 600 East. A viewing will be held prior to the funeral service at 10:00 a.m.-10:45 a.m.

Karen will be laid to rest at Elysian Burial Gardens.

Karen’s legacy will live on in the family she loved so deeply, in the traditions she created, and in the countless lives made better because she showed up for them.