Karen Cordrey Coe passed while sleeping on Thursday June 15th, 2017. Most recently Karen battled with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease). However, Karen did not allow the disease to define her. To the end she retained her great sense of humor, brilliant wit, and incredible love of family and friends.
Karen was born in Great Falls, MT on June 26th, 1940 to Gladys Ledbetter Cordrey (Gladdy) and Charles Alva Cordrey. Karen spent her early years in Great Falls and later Missoula, MT. While in Missoula, she lived on “Kent Street” (beyond an interesting coincidence, her son’s name ). In the eighth grade Karen moved to Helena. She attended Central School and Helena Senior High, graduating with the class of 1958.
As Helena defined Karen’s life, Karen defined Helena. From her first years in Helena, Karen established and maintained lifelong friendships. These friendships transcribed many overlapping circles. Her circles included best friends from school, Job’s Daughters, camping, bowling, Nile, Bridge, AAA, Kaiser Permanente/Ashgrove as well as great neighbors on Sanders Street and Holland lake.
Karen will be remembered by all for Dedication. She started working at age 15, never going a day without work until her retirement from Ash Grove Cement 59 years later. In retirement, she was equally dedicated to her service organizations, always being first to lend a hand, bring a salad, or donate for style shows and auctions. Karen never missed a birthday card, sympathy card or follow up thank you signed in her eloquent pen.
Above all, Karen will be remembered for her dedication to her children and grandchildren. She worked to make sure everything was perfect for their education, graduations, birthdays, weddings, and holidays.
Karen is survived by her two children, daughter Lisa C. Merdoc, son Kent R. Coe (Lisa) and extended son, Curt Spurzem (Patty). Grandchildren: Alex (Seth) Long, Andrew Merdoc, Zachary Coe, Lily Merdoc, and Rich’s brother Jack (Pat) and their children Shannon, Kathy and Rich, Karen’s sister Nedra Cordrey Weston preceded her in death, is survived by her husband Buzz Weston and their children, Neil, Steve and Joni.
Karen has been reunited with her mother Gladys L., father Charles Alva, sister Nedra Weston and husband RICH!
37 days ago Karen said good bye to Richard Hoback Coe, the love of her life. She met Rich 62 years ago at Central School. For most, you could not say Karen without saying Rich or Karen -N- Rich, “they were one!”
Knowing the end was near, Karen made a gallant effort, in her struggle with ALS, to host a reception for Rich. It was Karen’s plan to not only say goodbye to Rich, but also to say goodbye to YOU, the friends she loved. As such, the family will be holding a private dedication.
But, be not SAD for Karen, she has been reunited with Rich! Together, eternally, they stand guard on the shores of Holland Lake.
If you wish to donate on behalf of Karen, please submit all contributions to the ALS Foundation at www.alsa.org
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Randy Routzahn says
Lisa Kent, I am sorry for you losses. Karen and Rich were wonderful friends and Glady was a great neighbor. So many great memories and each with their own great smiles. Randy
Darlene Scott says
Lisa, Kent an Families, I met Karen fresh out of highschool, when I started working at Blue Cross/Blue Shield in the very new Medicare Dept. I was only 17 and kinda scared and very inexperienced in the working world. Your Mom made all of us “Newbys” feel so comfortable. She was the sweetest, kindest person, person that I had ever met. Such a joy to work with. I considered it a great privilege to be her friend. Many years later, my son, Curt came home from school one day and told me that he met a guy named Kent and he wanted to go to his house. I asked who his parents were and he said Rich and Karen Coe. I was so pleased. I knew that I never had to worry when he was at your house. Your parents were very special people. The kind that you only meet a few times in life. The kind that the rest of the world should take note of. I am so sorry for your loss. We have all lost a very special couple. Heaven truly has received a pair of Angels. Their love for one another was so evident and I know they are dancing thru eternity holding hands. My sincere sympathy and prayers to you. May your wonderful memories of such loving parents, and knowing that others are grieving with you, help to carry you thru this most difficult time.
Leon and Marsha Belville says
COE Family- We are deeply saddened to hear about your Mom,Grandma passing also. Our thoughts and prayers to you. Leon and Marsha Belville.
Carol Price says
Lisa, Kent and family. I’ve been cleaning your mom’s teeth every 3 months for the past 14 years. I’ve heard so many stories about all of you. She was so proud of her kids and grandkids! She never failed to put a smile on my face, I will miss her. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Heaven gained an amazing angel:) Carol Price
Tessa says
Lisa and family,
I am so glad I met your mother, she was kind and caring and always had something positive to say to us. Though we only knew her for a short time, our time together was wonderful. Thank you.
Tessa and Leila
Perrie E. White says
Karen was dear and kind friend to me and my family. I have known her for many years through being a neighbor when Lisa was young and later through bowling. She will always be an angel to me as helped me when I was in need. She will be missed. Both Karen and Rich will be in my prayers.
Betty Anderson says
I was so sorry to learn of Karen’s death. I knew her from high school as we were in the same class. I have been at every reunion and she was always a part of that. The last reunion was Sept. 2013 and she and Rich were there. I was also sorry to learn of his recent passing too. I do not live in Helena but return frequently as I have business to attend to there since it was my family home for many years. I have great memories of Karen and Rich from high school and all our fun class gatherings. Betty Blenkarn Anderson