South Fork, Colo., resident Karen Rose Gere, 78, passed away on Dec. 21, 2023, at the Rio Grande Hospital in Del Norte surrounded by her loving family.

Karen was born in Valentine, Neb., on the 9th of October, 1945, to Homer and Arvelyn (Olson) Hinton.  She lived in Nebraska up to her young adult life then moved to Colorado.  She made her home with her life partner Blaine Burt in the beautiful town of South Fork, Colo.

Karen was an avid reader, she loved curling up with a good book.  She also loved to travel.  She and Blaine traveled to Hawaii, Alaska, New Zealand, and many locations in the US.  Karen loved to spend time with her family.

She was very proud of her career; she was a manager in the bakery department with King Soopers for over 32 years!  Everyone knew they could depend on her for the most fabulous cakes and pastries.  Karen had a generous heart, she enjoyed helping others.

Karen never said an unkind word about another human.  She will be greatly missed by those who had the pleasure of knowing her.

Karen is survived by her longtime partner Blaine Burt of South Fork, her son Mathew Gere of Lakewood, Colo.; her granddaughter Jade Gere of Golden, Colo.; nephews Bruce McCracken of Gering, Neb., and Gary McCracken of Broken Bow, Neb.; cousins Elaine Schaffer, and Larry and Wayne Heath.

Karen was preceded in death by both of her parents; her still born baby Kenneth Gere; another son Scott Gere, her sister Anne McCracken, and cousins Kay Connery and Mary Jo Cowden.

Cremation was chosen and several Memorial Services will be held.  One will be at the Chapel of the South Fork, 116 Laden Dr., in South Fork. Another will be in Denver at a later date and the final one with burial following will be in Cody, Neb., this summer.  In lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested to Chapel of the South Fork, 116 Landon Dr., South Fork, CO 81154.

Rogers Family Mortuary is in care of the arrangements.  To leave online words of comfort, tributes, and remembrances for Karen’s family, please visit www.RogersFunerals.com.