On Friday, July 30,2021, Karen Yvonne (Kanikeberg) Rucker, a loving mother and friend, passed away unexpectedly at her home in Newport, Washington, at the age of 79. A celebration of life will be held this fall.

Karen was born September 2, 1941 in Newport to Lars and Elda (Kliewer) Kanikeberg. She lived many places but always considered Newport home.

She married Lyle Johnson in 1961 and had 3 children—Christine, Cheryl and Gregory. Karen married Trevice Wayne Rucker in 1984 and "enjoyed" several years as long-haul truck drivers.

Karen was an active member of the American Lutheran Church for many years, and her love for her Savior, Jesus Christ, was witnessed in her actions.

Her children were her highest priority. Although she didn't financially have much, her children never wanted for anything growing up. Karen's grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought her great joy. She bragged about them to everyone. She loved to spend time with family and friends —playing cards, going to family reunions and especially lunches with her "gal-pals!"

Karen's family would like to express a special THANK YOU to Gary Menke for his love and support of Karen these last several months. They were some of the happiest moments of her life.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Lars Robert Kanikeberg, her grandson Scott Alexander Johnson and her newborn great-granddaughter Paysley Anastasia Palmer.

She leaves behind her children Christine (Kevin) Dahlen, Cheryl (Jerry) Unruh and Gregory (Dawn) Johnson, 15 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren, her younger brother Gary (Starr) Kanikeberg and sister-in-law Jean Kanikeberg. She also leaves behind her one remaining aunt, Norma (Kliewer) Rednour, a niece and 2 nephews and way too many cousins to count.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made through the Sherman-Campbell Funeral Home to Pediatric Stroke Awareness.

Blessed be the memory of Karen