Karen J Coleman

St. George, UT - Mary Karen Allred Jacobs Coleman, 81 years old. We lost our dear friend; sister, wife, mother, aunt, stepmother, grandmother, great-grandmother on Saturday, August 10, 2024, in Washington, UT. She survived a stroke in 2014 and had been doing well with many physical and cognitive challenges, until complications from a fall at the end of May. The accident left her unable to walk, less and less able to rehabilitate, and finally failing to thrive over the Summer. Her courageous will and the valiant efforts of caregivers and family were not enough.

Karen was born on May 11, 1943, in Murray, UT, the fourth of five children to William Campbell Allred and Ida Hebertson. She grew up in the little white house on the NW corner of Atwood Blvd & Murray Holladay Road, making many close neighborhood friends, and eventually attending Murray High School. She endured the devastating loss of her little brother, Leonard, to leukemia in 1950, and the subsequent divorce of her parents.

Karen married E. Paul Jacobs on November 4, 1960. They have one devoted son and four adoring daughters. They divorced after twenty years. On September 6, 1981, she married Ronald J. Coleman, instantly adding a similar set of five amazing stepchildren and their growing families to her life.

First, and foremost, Karen was a strong, genuine, loving, supportive, funny, caring mother and homemaker. Laughter and activity filled her days. She loved shopping, cooking, sewing, landscaping, music and seasonal decorating. She celebrated every holiday or birthday and made the most out of each pinched penny. She was there to love her family and did her best to pick up the pieces, wipe a tear, mend a scraped knee or a broken heart. She prayed her kids through school, planned weddings and was thrilled at the birth of every grand baby; deeply involved and concerned about their lives. She was blessed with 10 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and many more beloved ‘steps’ and ‘halves’ through marriage - plus a collection of other adopted ‘strays.’ Her home, her pantry, and her listening ear were always open. Her faith in God was simple, humble and hopeful.

She raised her children in Midvale and Taylorsville, watching them choose relationships and build families until she and Ronald decided the time was right for a new adventure - their move to Southern Utah. In 1996, they relocated and went to work as a successful licensed real estate team with Wardley, Coldwell Banker and Equity brokerages over many years. It is a testament to her magnetic love, that wherever she lived, her kids eventually followed. Between 1997 and 2010, all five siblings had resettled within a short drive of Mom and Ron, living and working in Washington County.

Karen was an avid pet lover and breeder of registered puppies - Maltese first, then Shit-tzu’s. We tried to remember them all, and lost count. They were near to her heart, in her tender care, and a happy, constant part of her home. “Buddy” is her last ‘pooch’, missing her and keeping Ron company in her absence now.

Important note - Karen was a self-taught expert KENO philosopher. It was not just a game to her. She could spend hours dedicated to the search for the perfect pattern (i.e.- the UTAH five spot, or lucky birthday numbers) and following a hunch about a favorite machine. She loved winning and was happy whenever friends or family were at her side to try out her latest plan. Playing keno with mom was an unforgettable experience.

Karen J. Coleman is survived by her devoted husband of 43 years, Ronald J. Coleman; son Bryan P. Jacobs (Debra); four daughters Leslie A. Broderick (Tim); Andrea Sorrell (Bill); Lauren K Dastrup (Jeffrey); Gina L. Jacobs; grandchildren and great grandchildren; brother Alvin H. Allred (Joan), nieces, nephews and cousins.

Preceded in death by her parents William and Ida Allred; sister Janice A. Andrus (Charles “Bud”); brother Boyd C. Allred (Doreen); brother, W. Leonard Allred. 

Special appreciation to Clara and Senna for their extra loving care these last few months.

Private celebrations of her life will be announced as plans are finalized. In lieu of flowers, the family would like to encourage donations to your favorite charity, in Karen’s name. Comments are welcome and appreciated. We love hearing about her from you.

The Golden Girls was one of mom’s favorite television series, and a great comfort to her as she dealt with pain and sorrow near the end. We are blessed to have had time to watch with her, to reminisce with her, to love her, to hold her, and to thank her.

Thank you for being a friend. 

Traveled down the road and back again.

Your heart is true, you’re a pal and a confidant.

I’m not ashamed to say,

I hope it always will stay this way.

My hat is off, won’t you stand up and take a bow?

And if you threw a party, invited everyone you knew,

Well, you would see the biggest gift would be from me,

And the card attached would say,

“Thank you for being a friend.”