Karen Denise Jones was unexpectedly called home to Heaven the morning of Jan. 31, 2018, in Cosmopolis, Wash., in the company of friends. Karen was born March 1, 1955, in Raymond, Wash. to Robert and Ila (George) Jones. She grew up in South Bend; hunting, fishing, and trapping with her father. She also enjoyed spending time in the kitchen, cooking with her mother.
She was involved in multiple sports during her high school career including softball, track, volleyball, and cheerleading. Karen was elected Pacific County Fair Queen, along with being crowned Princess at the Seafair Parade, in 1972. Going on to graduate from South Bend High School in 1973.
After graduating, Karen moved south to attend Lower Columbia College where she earned her Associated Nursing Degree in 1976. While attending college, she met her first husband Elmo Whitsey Jr. They moved to Seattle where Karen worked as a Registered Nurse at various hospitals, including St. John’s and Group Health. Karen and Elmo married Nov. 20, 1981. They had two daughters before deciding to move south to Grays Harbor in 1988 to be closer to family and friends. Karen continued her nursing career at Grays Harbor Community Hospital for many years.
While living in Aberdeen, Karen met her second husband, Elias Jimenez-Soto. They married April 11, 1997, on her mother and father’s 50th anniversary. They had their son a year later.
Karen was always full of life. She had a beautiful smile and a unique infectious laugh that would ignite a room with laughter. She especially loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. Karen had an exceptionally big heart, always willing to help. No task was too big or small.
Karen loved cooking. When she was around, the entire neighborhood was fed, whether they were hungry or not! Karen would spend her extra time going on long walks with her significant other, William Doust. She also donated her time at various animal shelters. She always had a soft spot for animals. Karen was truly loved and will be dearly missed.
Karen is survived by her second husband, Elias Jimenez-Soto Sr.; her children Ila Whitsey and Josh Warness of Aberdeen, Wash., Corine Whitsey of Aberdeen, Wash., Elias Jimenez Jr. of Aberdeen, Wash. and Nina Whitsey-McCarver of Mill Creek, Wash.; her grandchildren Talatheon, Giovanni, Olivia, Rhemi, Jaxson and Kaine, all of Aberdeen, Wash.; her sisters Nancy (Jones) Fischer and Jace Fischer of Seattle, Wash., Barbara Jones-Gonzalez and Abel Gonzalez of South Bend, Wash. and Beverly Barnum of Aberdeen, Wash.; her nephews and niece Robert Fischer, Zachary Fischer, Eric Barnum, Timothy and Terry Smithson, and Norma Carter. Also many, many great-grandnephews and nieces.
A memorial service will be held March 24, 2018, at 1 p.m. at the D & R Event Center, 122 E. Heron St., Aberdeen, WA 98520.
Please send condolences to 1109 Harding Rd., Aberdeen, WA 98520.
