Karen A. Estes, 72

A unique and amazing woman has come to the end of her journey in this life. Karen Estes, of Hayden, Idaho, passed away June 22, 2023, at Schneidmiller Hospice House in Coeur d’Alene.

Karen was born June 16, 1951, in Spokane, Wash., to Bill and Jean Somerville. She was a graduate of Shadle Park High School and Eastern Washington State College, now Eastern Washington University, with a B.A. in education.

After graduating, Karen moved to Leavenworth, Wash., to teach English. It was there that she met the love of her life and eventual husband, Charley Estes. They married in 1974 and then moved to Hayden, Idaho, in 1978, where she would focus on raising her family and doing bookkeeping for Charley’s reforestation business, Quality Forests Inc. In 1992, Karen returned to the public school system, first as a librarian at Ramsey Elementary and then at Canfield Middle School. She retired in 2011 after 19 years of service. She and Charley jumped fully into retirement by traveling all over the world, to Mexico, and numerous countries in Europe and South America.

Nothing was more important to Karen than her family and friends; she did anything to support them and never asked for anything in return. She was an avid reader and her book club recently celebrated its 30-year anniversary. Karen always had the most beautiful and meticulous flower gardens. In fact, she was one of the most organized and conscientious people you will ever meet. Karen firmly and fearlessly fought attempts to censor and ban books in her libraries and also stood up for the rights and dignity of immigrants in this community against what she perceived as ignorant and racist attacks. Though she had the most gentle and caring nature, she always stood firm in her deeply held beliefs.

Karen survived breast cancer in 2006. However, in 2020, one year after the death of her husband, Charley, she again was diagnosed with breast cancer, this time metastatic. For three years, she bravely fought this disease with the most positive attitude that amazed and inspired her friends and family. On June 8, the cancer had spread to such a degree in her liver, that it was recommended she stop treatment. However, in keeping with her positive and never-back-down attitude, she sailed that Saturday to Alaska, with all of her immediate family for one last adventure.

The family would like to thank her oncologist, Nathanael Gay of Kootenai Health, all of the wonderful, compassionate staff at the Schneidmiller Hospice House, and, of course, all her loving and supportive friends.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, and her husband of 45 years, Charley. She is survived by her daughter, Kimberly Shaddox, of Tacoma, Wash.; son Scott Estes (Sara) of Hayden, Idaho; granddaughter Samantha Pilyayev (Ivan), of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; grandsons Benjamin and Elio; great-grandson Viktor; brother Jim Sommerville (Diane); sisters-in-law Joan Estes and Shirley Ennis of E. Wenatchee, Wash., and Orondo, Wash.

A celebration of Karen’s life will be held Thursday, July 6, at 10 a.m., at Yates Funeral Home, 373 E. Hayden Ave., Hayden, Idaho. Everyone is welcome to stay at the same location for a luncheon reception afterward.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation or Hospice of North Idaho.

Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of arrangements. Please visit Karen's memorial and sign her online guestbook, www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.