Karen Ann Lowder Gentle, 68, of Idaho Falls, died July 19, 2010, at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center. She was born June 8, 1942, in Rigby, Idaho, to Arvel Lowder and Dorothy Ballantyne Lowder. She grew up in Labelle and attended schools in Rigby. At the age of 12, she contacted all 3 forms of polio and was never able to walk again. Burdette Eckersell helped fly the family to Boise where she received treatment for her condition. Under the direction of Golden Petersen of Labelle, she was able to successfully attend the 6th grade in the Boise school system. After returning home, she later attended and graduated from Rigby High School in 1960. One week after her high school graduation, she married Walt Gentle in Rigby, Idaho. They lived and raised their family in Idaho Falls. They were later divorced. On Oct. 2, 1996, she married Ephraim "Eph" John Hunter. He died February 13, 2004. Karen worked for many years in the Social Security office and in the Unemployment office in Idaho Falls. It was during this time, that she received the Idaho Handicapped Employee of the Year for the entire state. An award she was very proud of. She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints. She looked forward to and enjoyed her monthly visits with her visiting teachers. Even though Karen was handicapped, she enjoyed fishing, camping, having an immaculate home, her yard, garden and visiting with friends and family. Karen never complained about her handicap. She was kind and giving and was always willing to help those who were less fortunate. She is survived by the following: daughter, Cindy (Gary) Harkness of Idaho Falls;son, Martin (Chris) Gentle of Rigby;sisters: Beverly (Gale) Pabst of Blackfoot and Martha Ann Lowder of Idaho Falls; grandchildren: Brandon (Whitney) Harkness, Jamie (Nick) Burnett, Richie (Krista) Harkness, Nicki (Richard) Huerta all of Idaho Falls; Travis (Amanda) Gentle and Josh Gentle both of Rigby and 10 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, an infant daughter, Pamela Gentle; her husband, Eph Hunter, and a brother, James Frank Lowder. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 24, 2010, at Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First St. Idaho Falls, Idaho, with Bishop Donald L. Harris officiating. The family will visit with friends one hour prior to the services. Burial will be in the Annis-Little Butte Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.coltrinmortuary.com