Karen County Obituary

County
Karen Lea
County
January 18, 1942
December 8, 2022

"I don't have dreams. I roll with the flow and God gives me what I need" - Karen County
Our beautiful Mom and Mammer, Karen Lea (Nipp) County, joined our loved ones in Heaven on December 8th, 2022. Karen was the first-born to Anna (Meyer) and Ed Nipp.
The family lived and worked on a farm near Clear Lake, SD. Karen cooked for the family and happily took care of her little sister, Sharlene (Dan) Kleinedler. Her and brother, Larry (Connie) Nipp, both proceeded her into their Heavenly Home. Karen is survived by her brother, Roger (Susan) Nipp of Forest Grove, OR, and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
When she was almost 18, she was disheartened when her family moved to Colorado to manage an egg ranch. Shortly after graduation she enrolled in A Helen Key Beauty School. Through a classmate (and future sister-in-law) she met and married our amazing Dad and Papa, Thomas County. They provided a wonderfully happy home in which their children were always the priority.
She is loved by her children: Sidney (Linda) County, Elizabeth (Jim) Marrs, Alan (Alicia) County and Elen (Aaron) Gorrell. Karen also enjoyed watching her grandchildren: Reese (Christina), Candice (Chris), James (Desirea), Amanda (Bubba), Megan (Victor), Jacob, Rachel (Lucas), Amber, Tommy, Zachary (Jaime), Matthew and Alex. She is also loved by their great-grandchildren: Harper, Claire, Izzy, Isaiah, Connor, Arianna, Sophia, Anderson, Gabriella, Addison, Bubba, Angelo, Karina, Amelio, Karina, BellaVi and Jazmina,
Karen enjoyed her cosmetology career, beginning at Claudia's and Andre's. But she really enjoyed the nursing homes. She was so sweet to her clients and adored by her co-workers.
Another big part of Karen's life of service was scouting. She received the prestigious Lamb Award after spending countless hours volunteering at Immanuel Lutheran School and the social ministry Board of Immanuel Lutheran Church. She also enjoyed working in the cafeteria at St. Mary's High School.
Our colorful Mammer loved Coca-Cola, Elvis, Willie Nelson, the Cowboys and her other favorite football teams, Harry S. Truman, Ford cars, Mr. Monk, Joe Kenda, South Dakota, and turquoise jewelry to name a few.
And she loved her family. Until very recently, she cooked dinner twice a week for the entire family. She would plan traditional events throughout the year, highlighted with Labor Day camping and Christmas celebrations.
Karen devoted all her energy to her family. Always interested in what they were doing and how she could help, who needed her prayers and never tired of listening and or trying to make all of our lives better. If you lived out of town, she'd remember you with continual care packages. She also loved to sew anything we needed and make quilts for graduations and birthdays. The immense void she leaves in our lives is immeasurable. As her great-granddaughter said, "She was so awesome." She showed us the best way to live.
Come join us in celebrating the glorious life of Karen. The memorial service will be held on Friday, December 16 at 1:00 p.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church or can be accessed via https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88099562266?pwd=dW5STDczbGh2aklTNXFHTTJGUWRqZz09. Memorials can be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church.