Karen Rae (Renner) McPhedran, 56

Karen Rae (Renner) McPhedran, 56, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2015, at Hospice House Hummingbird Fields surrounded by family and friends. She was born at Lake City General Hospital in Coeur d’Alene on June 23, 1959, to Harlan and Barbara (Smith) Renner. Because it was a RH factor birth Karen was immediately transported to Deaconess Hospital for a lifesaving complete body blood transfusion. Tenuous start for sure as she began her life’s journey. Karen’s parents always thought of her as a gift from God.

She grew up in Dalton Gardens Grade School after which she attended the Coeur d’Alene Montessori School.

Karen worked various jobs and became an accomplished cook while working at Profs Coffee Shop, Arrow Point Resort and the Iron Horse Restaurant. In 1996, she was hired by Coeur d’Alene School District No. 271 as a school bus driver. Her love of kids made it the perfect job as it gave her the opportunity to connect with many students and later on the kids of students that rode her bus years before. She absolutely loved the job and was very sad when health issues forced her to retire in 2014. The camaraderie she shared with her fellow bus drivers at the bus barn was very special.

Karen met the love of her life, Mike McPhedran, in 1986 and soon assumed a “mother role” to his daughter, Jesseca Lohstreter and two sons Kalum and Mac McPhedran. On March 17, 2005, Mike and Karen were married at the Dalton home she grew up in.

People whose lives that were touched by Karen knew her as a warm caring person who always put others needs above her own, an animal lover who’s home always had two or more dogs and cats, plus they were lucky to share her delightful outlook on life and her witty sense of humor. As a 4-H member, she showed lambs and her golden lab, Tootsie, at the fair. A dilemma arose when she brought home a white rat, she had to make a decision, it was either the rat or Mom but one had to go. That was a tough decision, but luckily Mom got to stay. Nature and outdoors held special allure for her particularly the Oregon coast and the family cabin on Tepee Creek. Family and friends have memories of great times shared with her there.

Karen was preceded in death by her brother, Bruce; sister Bobbi Jean; grandparents Lawrence and Edith Plummer, Ernie and Clara Smith; uncle Rollin Smith and uncle Wendell Renner. She is survived by her husband, Mike; two dogs: Walter Mathau and Ann Margaret; her parents, Harlan and Barbara Renner; three stepchildren Jesseca, Kalum and Mac; and five step-grandchildren: Ashley, Brennan, Makiya, Cash and Callaghan. She shared a very special relationship with Makiya who she called “her ray of sunshine.” Karen was also survived by her uncle, Willis Smith (Alta); aunt Jo Renner; cousins Harvey and Glen Renner, and Stacey and Kelly Smith.

Although diagnosed with terminal cancer Karen waged a 16-month battle with determination, incredible strength and always a positive attitude. Many happy moments are shared with her close friends, Karen Troutman and cousin Shelly. The “three amigos” talked for hours on the phone and spent Fridays shopping and going out for lunch. When her Mom would voice concern she answered “Stop worrying mom, I will be OK because God and I have been having some serious conversations.”

Mike, Karen’s husband, will tell you that this plaque that hangs in her Mom’s kitchen sums up how Karen lived her life:

“Life was not meant to be a journey to the grave in a pretty well preserved body but rather to skid in broadside thoroughly used up, totally worn out and loudly proclaiming, ‘WOW-WHAT A RIDE!’”

Karen you were an inspiration to all who shared that ride with you! You may be gone from this Earth, but your memory will dwell in our hearts forever. At Karen’s request, there will be no service at this time, but rather a “celebration of life” in the spring of 2016.

Karen’s family would like to thank the staff and doctors at Kootenai Health Cancer Center especially Jessica Blankenship for Karen’s excellent care and many kind gestures and also the staff at Hospice who provided such peace in her final hours. Donations in memory of Karen may be made to Kootenai Humane Society, 1160 N. Ramsey Road, North Idaho Fair Foundation, P.O. Box 711 or Hospice of North Idaho, 9493 N. Government Way.

Yates Funeral Home, Coeur d’Alene Chapel, is entrusted with the care of final arrangements. Please visit Karen’s online memorial and sign her guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.