Karen Lynn Layton
Columbia Basin Herald | UPDATED 4 hours, 22 minutes AGO
Karen Layton was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and a woman of faith. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends.
Karen Lynn Layton, 79, of Moses Lake, Washington, passed away peacefully March 2, 2026, surrounded by loved ones. She died of complications of an aggressive Lymphoma Cancer.
Karen was born on Jan. 17, 1947, in Montpelier, Idaho, to Ingrid and Earl Sorenson. She grew up surrounded by family and carried that love of family throughout her life.
A unique opportunity for her family took her to Denmark during her last three years of high school to serve the people over there as her dad was the Mission President of Denmark for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She created many memories and cherished her time there.
On June 11, 1973, she married the love of her life, Brian Layton in the Logan Temple. Together they built a life centered around family, faith and service.
Karen earned her bachelor’s degree and devoted her career to education, working as an elementary school teacher for the Moses Lake School District for 18 years. She had a deep love for children and made a lasting impact on many students throughout her teaching career. After many years of service, she retired, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, patience and dedication.
Karen was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her faith was an important part of her life and guided the way she served and loved others.
Above all else, Karen treasured time with her family — especially her grandchildren. She loved being with them and creating many special memories together. She also enjoyed long car rides with her husband, exploring new places and taking photos along the way to capture the moments they shared.
Karen is survived by her loving husband, Brian Layton; her children, Misty Meldrum (Luke), Brent Layton (Diana), Tami Nelson (Scott) and Ty Layton; her brothers, Bob Sorenson (Marcia), Rick Sorenson (Jackie) and Mark Sorenson (Katherine); 10 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
She was preceded in death by her granddaughter, Ashlynn; her sister, Ingrid; and her parents, Ingrid and Earl Sorenson.
Karen will be remembered for her love of family, her gentle spirit and the joy she found in life’s simple moments. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 11 a.m. at the Nelson Chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 1849 Nelson Road NE, Moses Lake, WA 98837. Open “Friend Visitation” prior to funeral service from 9:45-10:45 a.m. Interment will follow at Guarding Angels Cemetery, 2595 Rd L NE, Moses Lake, WA 98837.
Please express your thoughts and memories for the family at https://bit.ly/KLLAYTON. Arrangements are under the care of Kayser's Chapel of Memories.