Karen Lynne Walker was born 8 March 1960 at Madigan Army Hospital, Tacoma, WA as an Army Brat to Milt and Ilse Walker. She was the second of three children, having an older and a younger brother. Alan (Debbie) and Gary(Mitzi)
The family traveled on military assignments to various countries as well as a number of locations in the U.S. where she attended schools. These included Italy, Turkey, Kansas, Ohio, Texas, Alabama and Washington.
Following High School graduation in Lakewood, WA she attended the University of Idaho where she met and soon married her first husband Ernest Cody. Three children were born of that marriage, Josh (Trista), Lela (Ryan) and Erika (Josh). Karen and her children remained in Boise at their home following her divorce from Ernie.
She met and later married her life companion Bruce Allen who also had three children Brian (Melissa), Melissa (Zachary), Kristen (Gus). She is grandmother to 8 loving grandchildren Gavin, Khloe, Christian, Ruby, Brody, Bentley, Jack, and Joshua with one more on the way.
She spent her working career at the Bureau of Reclamation where she recently retired after 24 years.
Karen loved the outdoors, especially camping and hiking the numerous trails in Idaho. She was always planning her next adventure but when she wasn't traveling you could find her in her backyard gardening or doing home improvements.
She was an avid dog lover and would bring home stray and homeless animals. She would often speak to the dogs before she would speak to their owner while she was hiking or on trails!
Karen had many loving friends and will be missed by many people.
In lieu of flowers please consider donating to River Discovery, John and June's Mission, ASPCA, or Susan G. Komen.