Karen Keith Gibson

March 26, 1938 — February 24, 2023

Karen Keith Gibson, 84, passed away on Friday, February 24. Family gathered to say goodbye to our beloved wife, mother, and grandmother.

Karen was born on March 26, 1938 in Provo, Utah to Ida Lavon Penrod and William Jairus Keith. She was born at her home on 5th South, the seventh of eight talented children. Music, singing, and the gospel of Jesus Christ were central in her home. Her early family years were often spent playing and singing together. The tradition of sing-alongs with her beloved siblings continued throughout their lives.

Karen grew up attending Maeser Elementary, Farrer Junior High, and Provo High School where she graduated in 1956. After high school, she took classes at BYU and developed a passion for learning and literature. She was an avid book reader and especially loved the classics.

Karen met Jed Gibson, the love of her life, during a chance encounter at Provo Bakery. She noticed the handsome University of Utah football star and walked in and bought a donut, being sure he noticed her. It worked! He followed her out to the street and asked her for a date. After a whirlwind courtship they married on November 25, 1959 and were later sealed for time and all eternity in the Manti Temple. Karen adored and loved her Jed with her whole heart and soul. They enjoyed 63+ years together. Jed tenderly and lovingly cared for her every need during the last difficult years of her life.

Karen and Jed have five children. They began their married life in Provo and then moved to New York for Jed’s graduate schooling. After he finished school, they settled in Rexburg, Idaho for Jed’s employment at Ricks College. They spent 20 years in Rexburg raising their family and had many dear friends.

Karen worked at the High School as a substitute teacher and in other teaching roles. Later, she took a job with Diet Center and became the Vice President of training. It was Karen’s job that took their family to Scottsdale, Arizona in 1986 where Karen and Jed built their dream home. Their Arizona years were spent swimming with kids and grandkids, hot-tubbing, and soaking up the sun.

Karen and Jed moved back to Provo in 1993. After returning, Karen discovered her voice through writing poetry. She went on to win countless awards and was often invited to host poetry readings with her sisters. One of her greatest honors was taking second place in the Utah State Poetry Society for her manuscript. Her most cherished accomplishment was collaborating with her sisters on their book, “Bread and Milk and Music: Three Sisters’ Voices,” which is a treasured gift for her family and friends.

Karen was a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her gratitude and love for Jesus Christ showed in all she did. While she was endlessly talented and creative, she was most known for her welcoming and accepting spirit. Karen loved hosting parties and get-togethers. Her home was warm, beautiful, and truly a refuge from the world to all who came in contact with her.

Karen is preceded in death by her parents, by her grandson, William Jackson Magette, and by her siblings, Allan Keith, William Keith, Beverly Golightly, Helen Beaman, and Mary Boyack. She is survived by her husband, Jed Gibson, and her children, Brian Gibson (Julie), Brent Gibson (Ann), Karrie Sibley (Kris), Kamille Magette (Marc), Katie Brimley (Greg), 20 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren (and counting). She is also survived by her brothers, Wayne Keith and Lon Keith.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, March 6, 2023 at the Nelson Family Mortuary, 4780 N. University Ave, Provo, UT. There will be a visitation from 11:00-11:45 a.m. prior to the services. Interment will be in the Provo City Cemetery. To express condolences or to share memories visit www.nelsonmortuary.com