On May 29, 2021, the “Spirit Guides” of Karen Murning Ward wrapped her in their loving arms and carried her to her heavenly home. Karen, the oldest of three daughters, was born to Peter and Virginia Sherman Murning on October 17, 1941. She was a lifelong resident of Huntington.
She grew up near Huntington on the Murning farm, where she spent idyllic childhood days playing with her sisters Lainie, Ginny, and close cousin Lannie Burnside. While helping her dad with chores on the farm she learned about farm life and developed a love for all animals. Her farm life ended when her father was killed in a coal mining accident on January 16, 1953. Her mother remarried twice, and from those marriages, three more siblings were born into the family, a brother and two more sisters.
As a young adult, she caught the eye of Deon Ward, and their love grew. They married on October 31, 1959, during her Junior year of High School. After taking time off from school to settle into married life, she returned to finish her education, graduating from North Emery High School alongside her sister, Lainie. Their marriage was blessed with two daughters, Dana Lynn and Julie. Together they established two successful businesses in Huntington and helped grow and support their local community.
Karen never met a stranger, she only met people she didn’t know. When meeting someone for the first time, they became either a new friend or an honorary member of her family. Her door was always open and any child or adult who needed a kind word, advice, safe harbor, or a place to stay was welcome. It wasn’t unusual for there to be extra people at her home for days, weeks, or months at a time. Karen and Deon had such big hearts they adopted Michelle, her sister Shena’s daughter. This made their family complete. Shortly after the adoption, Deon working on the Jordanelle Dam Project was killed in an on-the-job accident, November 4, 1987, leaving Karen to raise Michelle on her own.
Karen’s greatest treasure was her family. She boasted about her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and loved them unconditionally. She was happiest whenever one, or all of them, was with her. She enjoyed exploring the desert, gambling in Wendover and Las Vegas, camping, boating, driving too fast, and she especially loved her cats and they loved her. One of the highlights of her life was her trip to Africa to participate in the program Mothers Without Borders, and she treasured the memory for the rest of her life.
Karen is watching over her daughters, Dana (Vic) Fossat, Price, UT; Julie Ward and Michelle (Carlos) Hernandez, Huntington, UT; grandchildren Eric (Megan) Behling, Ferron, UT; Kristin (Paul) Black, Alabama; Jameson Ward, Huntington, UT; Gavin (Whitney) Oviatt, Orangeville, UT; Adriana Castro and Carlitos Hernandez, Huntington, UT; 10 great-grandchildren; sisters Virginia “Ginny” Wooden, Mountain Green, UT; Doris (Danny) Quinn, Castle Dale, UT; sister-in-law Rose Ward, Huntington, UT; many nieces and nephews; and her beloved pets.
Preceded in death by husband Deon Ward; parents; step-father, Dee Howard; sisters, Elaine “Lainie” Hardin and Shena Rodriguez; brother, Marty Dee Howard; grandson, Sharidan Oviatt; and many beloved pets.
Per Karen’s wishes, her body was cremated. A memorial graveside will be Saturday, June 26, 2021, 11:00 a.m., at the Huntington City Cemetery. A luncheon will follow at Michelle’s home (139 East Center Street) in Huntington from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome to come visit at the luncheon. Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home where friends are always welcome daily and may share memories online at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net.