Karen Lee Ramey, 84, of Idaho Falls, passed away on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at Parkwood Meadows Assisted Living. She was under the care of Eden Home Health & Hospice.

She was born on June 26, 1942, in Rexburg, Idaho, to Thomas Winford Forsgren and Zola May Cruser Forsgren. She grew up in Rexburg where she attended Madison High School and played clarinet in the pep band. She later graduated in 1960. Karen continued her education at Ricks College with a major in Music and she received her Cosmetology license.

On June 10, 1966, she married Donald “Butch” Jacob Ramey, and were later sealed in the Idaho Falls LDS temple on April 23, 1998. Donald passed away on May 28, 2025.

Karen worked at K-Mart, Roger Brothers, French’s, Pillsbury, Wendy’s, and retired after 15 years working at the Ammon Walmart in the Crafts and Fabrics Department. She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and enjoyed her calling as organist, and serving with Don in the Falls Brook Branch as Mission Leaders.

Outside of her service in the church, she enjoyed being a part of the Heritage Music Choir. A courageous breast cancer survivor, Karen channeled her strength into helping others by actively participating in the Relay for Life cancer awareness walks for many years, inspiring everyone around her with her resilience and hope.

With that she enjoyed playing the piano and organ, anything related to cats, crocheting, sewing, crossword puzzles, reading, playing games with family and friends, and playing bingo at Parkwood with the residents there.

Karen was known to be a very spunky, independent lady who loved playing the piano and organ, anything related to cats, in addition to socializing with family, friends, and complete strangers.

She is survived by her children: Christopher Jacob (Robin) Ramey of Poinciana, Florida; Neil Thomas (Christy) Ramey of Meridian, Idaho; and KaraDawn (Kelly) Buttars of Ririe, Idaho.

She is also survived by her grandchildren, including Kierra, Amy, Tyler, Laci, and Sophie (children of Chris and Robin); Jessica and Andrew (children of Neil and Christy); and Katie, Mandy, Karly, and Sydney (children of KaraDawn and Kelly). Her legacy continues through her great-grandchildren, Aurora (daughter of Tyler) and Bentlei (daughter of Mandy).

Additionally, she leaves behind her brothers: Thomas “Buzz” (Betty) Forsgren of Rigby, Idaho; Dennis (Peggy) Forsgren of Sugar City, Idaho; Hal (Bonnie) Forsgren of Melba, Idaho; Robert Forsgren of Idaho Falls, Idaho; Gary (Lynda) Forsgren of Rexburg, Idaho; and Keith (Tamara) Forsgren of Idaho Falls, Idaho. She is also survived by her sisters, JoAnn Clark of Sugar City, Idaho, and Patricia (Tim) Thomas of Rexburg, Idaho.

Karen was preceded in death by her sweetheart of 59 years Donald “Butch” Ramey, her parents Thomas and Zola Forsgren, and her brother Richard Forsgren.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, August 22, 2026, at the Lincoln 2nd Ward Building, 3700 East Lincoln Road, Idaho Falls, with Bishop Wayne Billman officiating. The family will visit with friends and family 6-8:00 p.m., Friday, August 21, 2026, at Coltrin Mortuary, and one hour prior to the services at the church. Interment will be in the Parker Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.coltrinmortuary.com.

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