Karen Worthen Nay

Karen Nay, 84, of Panguitch, Utah/Fish Haven, Idaho passed away on November 17, 2023 in Logan, Utah.

She was born in Panguitch, Utah to S. LaMar Worthen and Clara Giles the middle of five children. She married William J. Nay “Junior” on October 17th, 1953 in Fredonia, Arizona while he was on leave from the Navy.  Dad sold his horse for their start often joking he wished he had that horse back.  He said he married Mom because she could milk cows by hand faster than he could just so they could go on a date.  They were married 56 years.

Karen is survived by two of her five children, William LaMar Nay (David Chase) Fish Haven, Idaho, Bobby Joe (Nanette) Nay, St. George, Utah as well as two sisters Maureen Skougard, Las Vegas, Nevada and Etta (Steve) Stephans.  She has seven grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her Parents, Husband, Son Terry W Nay, Daughter LaRae Nay, Son Martin J Nay and Daughter-In-Law Collette Nay, two brothers Scott and Jerry Worthen, Brother-in-Law Marvin Skougard.

Mom had several careers throughout her life.  Her most notable was as a “drill sergeant” raising her four boys and the “darling daughter” on the Utah State University State Experimental Farm north of Panguitch.  From mowing lawns, delivering newspapers, milking cows, selling eggs, she kept everyone in line.  You better make your beds, clean the house, do your chores with military precision or you started all over again.  She worked at school lunch for six years while her kids were young moving on to nursing at the Intermountain Garfield Memorial Hospital for over 33 years finishing in Laundry and Central Supply.  Mom also helped Dad build and manage the family business Nay’s Custom Cut Meats where no one could outmatch her wrapping skills.  Stop to visit She’d put you to work stamping and loading meat or you were put on cleanup detail.  No one just stood around.

Mom enjoyed reading all kinds of books, crocheting and traveling.  She loved going to Hawaii and Mexico with LaRae and Kim or her other nieces.  She backpacked Italy and Switzerland with LaMar and Dave where she absolutely loved traveling by train even when we got on the wrong one.  She and Dad were able to spend their 50th Wedding Anniversary traveling all over Ireland by car with LaMar and Dave.

Mom lived an independent life allowing Joe and Martin to help when she needed it while living in Panguitch.  Later she moved to Fish Haven, Idaho living with LaMar and Dave and finally residing at Legacy House in Logan, Utah where she actively competed in activities always wanting to be on the winning team.  She received wonderful care and made many friendships while she was there. We also have to mention the love and care she received from her sister Etta, Steve and their family during the times she stayed with and was lovingly cared for by them.

Interment will be privately held at the family’s request in the Panguitch Cemetery.  Funeral Directors from White Pine Mortuary, Logan, Utah officiating.