Karen Koew Payne May 12, 1945 - March 17, 2025

Karen Koew Payne, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on March 17, 2025, in Payson, Utah, at the age of 79. Born on May 12, 1945, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to William H. Koew and Lucille Bunker Koew, Karen’s life was a beautiful tapestry woven with love, laughter, and an unwavering commitment to her family and community.

Upon graduation from West High School in Salt Lake City, Karen attended the University of Utah and became a lifelong learner. Karen was quick to adapt to new technologies and ideas, always eager to expand her knowledge and share it with others.

On July 21, 1965, Karen married her soulmate, Ronald Franklin Payne, in the Logan, Utah LDS Temple. Together, they built a life filled with joy, adventure, and the warmth of family. Karen was a devoted mother to eight children.

Throughout her career, Karen wore many hats, from waitress at JB’s as a young adult, to serving as the Food Program Manager at Timp Mental Health, where she nourished both bodies and souls with love. Roles as law secretary, substitute teacher, and assistant librarian grew her love of the Spanish Fork Community. Karen became a true Community Connector as the longtime Director for the Spanish Fork Area Chamber of Commerce and loved being a part of growth in the city. Lastly, as a patient advocate at the Canyon View Medical clinic, her gift of gab and compassionate nature made her a trusted ally for many.

Karen’s hobbies included reading and writing short stories and poetry, collecting and creating her own library, and attending live musical productions with her grandkids. She loved writing a weekly column for The Spanish Fork Press entitled “Wow! Whatta Town!” that offered a unique glimpse into what made Spanish Fork a great place to live.

A dedicated volunteer, Karen offered time and talents to numerous local organizations and events, including the March of Dimes, PTA, Spanish Fork Arts Council, Spanish Fork Rotary Club, Tabitha’s Way,  Spanish Fork Area Chamber of Commerce, and Habitat for Humanity. Her commitment to service was a testament to her generous spirit and desire to uplift those around her.

As a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Karen served in various callings, with her favorite being that of Primary Chorister. She and her husband were blessed to fulfill a mission call to serve the local students in the Pathways Program for 2 years.

Karen is survived by her loving husband, Ronald Payne; her children, Suelyne (Tomas) Perez, Kendall (Grace) Payne, Jason (Joey) Payne, Stacylee (Barry) Millsapp, Ja’Naye Payne (Peter Kelson), Gavin (Kuulei) Payne, Cameron (Tiecen) Payne, and adopted daughter Mary Peterit; her sister Debbie (Richard) Dickinson, her brother John (Debbie) Koew; and her sister-in-law and best friend, Sharon Payne.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Lucille Koew; her brother, Gary; her sister, Connie; and her favorite child, Stacylee Payne Millsap.

In lieu of flowers, Karen would have loved for you to do something kind for someone else—an act of love that reflects the spirit of generosity she embodied throughout her life. Her legacy of love, service, and laughter will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew her.