Karen was a joy delivered on September 3, 1959 to Douglas Ethan and Dolores Kathryn (Dahlke) Clark in Elmhurst, Illinois.
She brought many gifts to people, whether they knew her well or simply encountered her for a brief period. The gifts she was primarily known for were her ability to make someone laugh, and her generous heart and spirit. Karen was very quick to use her wit to make someone laugh no matter the situation, and the piece of wit she threw out was followed by her own infectious smile and chuckle. She used this many times in her short life to fulfill her adopted role of peacemaker. Her heart was open, especially to those most in need. She would share anything she had with those many considered to be the least among us. Over the years she opened not only her heart but also her home to those in need. She carried this caring into her chosen profession of nursing.
Karen was a free spirit in the truest sense of the word. Youthful in the hippie generation, she embodied that free hippie spirit whether it be her love for southern rock and roll, or questioning of the rules that restricted her ability to live her life in the freedom of the moment, and share with others. She loved the Native American spirit of being in harmony with the nature around them.
Karen loved, what she loved most of all were her children, and her grandchildren, whom she referred to with nicknames like “Lovebug” and “Fuzzball”. We are all saddened that her grandchildren will miss this very special person’s love and laughter as they grow.
Karen is predeceased by her mother and father, as well as her husband Mike Ury, and one niece. Karen is survived by her children Robert Lee Shirley, Krystal Ann Shirley, and James Ethan Shirley, as well as four adored grandchildren. Additionally, she is survived by her brother Gary Clark, and sister Susan Gage, along with two nephews, and one niece.
Viewing will be Monday, October 21, 2019 from 5-8 p.m. with rosary service at 7 p.m. at Harrell Funeral Home, 1715 Kirby, Kyle, Texas. Following the services Karen will be cremated, with interment at Pleasant View Cemetery in Burley, Idaho, and true to her spirit a portion of her ashes will be set free to the wind at Detroit Lake, Oregon along with her husband Mike’s ashes.
Please go to www.Harrellfuneralhomes.com to visit Karen’s memory page and leave a remembrance or message for her family.
Funeral assistance provided by Harrel Funeral Home, 1715 Kirby, Kyle, TX 78640 ph (512) 268-8200.
