Karen K. Boyd (Steffes), 78

Karen passed away peacefully at her home in Monroe, Nebraska on Wednesday, October 17, 2018 after a courageous and brief struggle with pancreatic cancer. She was born September 20, 1940 in Cedar Rapids, NE to John and Ona (Lowe) Steffes.

Karen attended high school in Cedar Rapids, NE. After high school graduation she moved to Omaha where she was employed with Mutual of Omaha. On March 8, 1959, she married the love of her life, Arnold Boyd. They lived in Cedar Rapids, Genoa and Casper, WY, before moving to Omaha, NE, where they raised their four children: Doug, Sandy, and twins, Todd and Tammy.

Karen was employed with Walgreen Drug for 27 years before retiring in 2000. It was that same year they relocated to their current residence near Monroe, NE. Karen thoroughly enjoyed the outdoors and loved lakefront living. Throughout her life, she was always in touch with nature. Up until her diagnosis, she was an avid gardener and on any given summer day, one might find her tending to her yard, garden or flowers. She also enjoyed crocheting, baking, and was a loyal Husker fan. Family and neighboring friends were Karen's passion and delight.

She was preceded in death by her parents John and Ona Steffes; sister Carolyn Walker; and brother-in-law Doug Riedy

Survivors include her husband Arnold Boyd, of Monroe, NE; son Doug Boyd; daughter Sandy (David) Mulholland; son Todd (Jennifer) Boyd, all of Omaha, NE; daughter Tammy (Richard) Kush of Columbus, NE; brother Jack Steffes of St. Paul, NE; sisters Marcia Riedy of Grand Island, NE, and Maureen (Richard) Fitzsimmons of Fullerton, NE; grandchildren Scott, Sara, Kara, Zach, Tiffany, Brandon, Jason and Nicholas; nine great-grandchildren; and her beloved Labrador, Sammie Girl.

The family will receive friends following the Mass at the parish hall. The family wishes to thank all of you who reached out to us with open hearts and caring hands during this trying time. Your thoughtfulness and compassion will not be forgotten.