Karen Sue Duncan, 72, of Hayden, Idaho, passed away on June 5, 2014, at Whitman Hospital & Medical Center in Colfax, Wash.

Karen was born November 11, 1941, in Santa Monica, Calif., to Blythe “Mick” McGuire and Marjorie Lake McGuire. She grew up in southern California, and graduated in 1959 from San Fernando High School where she met her future husband, Norman “Luke” Duncan.

Karen attended beauty school, becoming a hairdresser and cosmetologist. On June 10, 1961, Karen married Luke at the Church of the Chimes in Van Nuys, Calif. She continued working in the beauty industry until she began raising her family. Granada Hills, California, was their home until 1979, when the family moved to Hayden, Idaho. Karen and Luke lived in Hayden until recently, when health concerns brought them to Colfax, Wash., to be near their daughter and her family.  

Karen was an avid outdoors woman. She traveled extensively throughout the United States and the world. Karen enjoyed water and snow skiing, snowmobiling and camping. 

Karen and Luke were longtime members of the Kampin’ Kabineers camping club, where they served as Wagonmasters for several years. Karen loved exploring the California backcountry by dune buggy, and the camaraderie of potluck dinners and campfire circles where she played guitar for sing-alongs.

Learning to sew early in life, Karen made many of her own clothes through high school. She delighted in creating custom items for her family and friends, and brought those skills to the quilting world.

Karen centered her life around her family and friends, hosting many holiday dinners and parties. She was a devoted wife and loving mother, whose memory will always be cherished. 

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Marjorie and Mick McGuire; and a sister, Mary Scrivner. She is survived by her husband, Luke, of Hayden, Idaho; two daughters: Mandie (Les) MacDonald, of Colfax, Wash., and Shannon (Shane) Bouffiou, of Spokane, Wash., sister, Peggy McGuire, of Magalia, Calif., and four granddaughters: Chelsea Selph, Brooke Selph, Katharine MacDonald, and Alison MacDonald.

A memorial gathering to celebrate Karen’s life will be held from 1-3 p.m., Saturday, June 28, at the Coeur d'Alene Inn, 506 W. Appleway in Coeur d'Alene. Bruning Funeral Home of Colfax, Wash., is caring for the family. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that you share with them your memories of Karen. Online condolences may be sent to www.bruningfuneralhome.com.