Karen (Mawhinney) Buckley, 74, of Arnold, passed away peacefully Tuesday, April 30, in her home. A mother of seven, grandmother of 26, and great-grandmother of 15, Karen leaves behind a large loving family, including her devoted and loving husband of 36 years, Don.
Born in Winner, SD, in August 1949, Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Lou Ann (Olmsted) and Buddy Haley; Lee and Anne Mawhinney; a daughter, Robin Clay; and her first husband, Dennis Thomas.
She is survived by her husband, Don, of Arnold; children, Donnell Buckley of Lincoln, Denise Thomas of Burwell, Lisa (Dave) Geil of Casper, WY, LuRee (Tom) Keefover of Linwood, KS, Keith (Stephanie) Thomas of Queen Creek, AZ, Kory (Julie) Thomas of Kalamazoo, MI; grandchildren, Josh Benne, Tom (Amanda) Clay, Tyler (Alyssa) Clay, Kaylynn Buckley, Brianna (Taylor) Eagan, Jake (Manuela) Benne, Jared Benne, DJ (Miranda) Buckley, Jake (Shayla) Geil, Shelby Johnson, Joe Geil, Lake Reikofski, Randii Reikofski, Drew Thomas, Sage Keefover, Justin Thomas, Zane Keefover, Trey Keefover, Jase Keefover, Greyson Thomas, Hayden Thomas; and 15 amazing great-grandchildren; as well as two sisters, Tami (Mel) Denio, and Michelle (Larry) Littau; and two brothers, Clayton (A) Haley, and Kevin (Kim) Haley.
Karen and Don traveled the country, from coast to coast, before settling back into their Midwestern roots in Arnold.
Karen’s love for children was always so evident, and she never missed a grand or great-grandchild’s birthday. When none of her own grandkids were around, she was known to hand out popsicles and cookies to the neighborhood kids walking down the street because their smiles brought her so much joy.
Services in honor of Karen’s wonderful life were held at Mount Hope Cemetery in Valentine, August 3.
