Karen Kay Winward

Aug. 8, 1945 - Oct. 31, 2026

Date of Service: Nov. 14, 2026

HEYBURN – Karen Kay Winward, an 81-year-old former resident of Heyburn, passed away Saturday, October 31, 2026, at Parke View Care and Rehabilitation in Burley, where she had been living since February 1, 2024.

Karen was born August 8, 1945, in Hailey, Idaho to Fredrick and Anne Kohler Ennis, and joined her older brother, Gary Ennis. Karen lived in Acequia and Minidoka where she spent her grade school years. The family moved to Rupert, and she continued her education in junior high and then Minico High School.

In 1963, while cruising Main Street in Burley, Karen caught DeWayne’s eye. They began dating and soon fell in love. While mom was still in high school DeWayne entered the Army. Karen graduated from high school in May of 1963. They were married on September 20, 1963. They were blessed with two daughters, Melody Jeppesen and Lori Shope. In 1973, they were married in the Salt Lake Temple and Melody and Lori were sealed to them. Karen worked at Simplot, Kings warehouse, Ashley’s Outlet, Burley Care Center, Head Start, and Parke View. She knew what hard work was, because while in high school, she would hoe beets. She was a dedicated and hard worker and worked most of her life. While working at Burley Care, she had the opportunity to go to college and further her education by getting her license as a Dietary Manager. She loved this new role. Later she worked in the kitchen as head cook at Head Start and enjoyed the little kids. A new job opportunity came up at Park View, and she was hired as the Dietary Manager at Park View, where she finally retired.

She was an amazing wife and mother who with the strength and love of DeWayne raised their daughters. They taught their kids the importance of honesty, kindness, compassion and love. They taught them the value of hard work done right. They taught their girls about the importance of the Gospel. They taught these things by example. Most of all she was the best grandma and truly loved this phase of her life. She enjoyed cooking, knitting, crocheting, embroidery, games, puzzles, gardening, but especially just spending time with her family. She was a convert to the Gospel and DeWayne baptized her. She really enjoyed learning all she could about the Gospel. She was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She loved her Heavenly Father and had a strong testimony of the Gospel.

She would spoil the grandkids and great grandkids rotten. She would always have a cookie or some other goodie quick at hand when the grandkids would come visit. She would do sewing crafts or puzzles and games while dad would fish. Karen was an amazing cook, which she gained from her equally talented mother. She was happiest when in the kitchen. She was always making something. Cooking was the heart of her soul. Food was her love language. She loved playing cards and any game the kids wanted. Family was her most prized possession. Karen believed if something was worth doing it was worth doing your best. She was dedicated, compassionate and always willing to serve. Karen loved playing games and had a competitive nature and loved the laughter and togetherness that came from being with those she loved so much. She had a special way that just made anyone feel loved.

Karen treasured holidays and the traditions of bringing her family together. She always made a ton of food. She would start Thanksgiving dinners two days at least in advance. It wasn’t stressful at all, because she was in her kitchen, the heart of her home, doing what she loved best. Christmas was another huge holiday for her, it wasn’t necessarily the gifts, but just making all the candies and goodies and spending time with her family. She could bring that extra twinkle to her kids and grandkids eyes with the magic and wonder of the season.

She would knit slippers, afghans, and would make baby blankets. She also embroidered many things.

She is survived by her two daughters, Melody Lynn (Tony Jeppesen), Lori Ann (Roy Shope); her brother, Gary (Donna) Ennis; her grandchildren, Ashley Dawn (Adam Self), Brittany Lynn Jeppesen (Layne Andrews), Joshua Neal Jeppesen, Amber Ann Marrs (Josh Yarbrough), Mathew Todd Marrs (Angie Marrs); great-grandsons, Jordan Self, Jonathan Self, David Self, Ethan Self, and Sam Woodward; her great-granddaughters, Jessica Olomon, and Skylynn Shope; she is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her loving adoring husband, DeWayne Winward; her parents, Frederick and Anne Kohler Ennis; DeWayne's parents, Dellis and Mary Ellen Winward; her brother-in-law, Richard Winward; her sister-in-law, Glenda Rae Winward Smith, sisters-in-law, Ella, Elva, Naomi, and Mary Ruth; her nephews, Richard Winward, Michael Clark, and Joseph Clark; one great-nephew, Mark; and one great-grandson, Matthew Carter Self.

Our family wishes to express our deepest heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Graham for his great care and love he showed our mom and dad. He was more than just their doctor. We also owe a deep and heartfelt love and gratitude to the entire staff at Park View Care and Rehabilitation. Thank you SO MUCH for loving our precious mom and dad like your own. It was so hard to initially accept that they needed to be in a care facility, but the staff loved our family through those rough patches as we slowly accepted mom and dad's new phase in life. You took that burden off us, and we knew they were both in the best care. Our family could not have made this journey without our Parke View family in our corner. You are all sweet angels. We loved how you would talk to them so kindly and always would joke with them. You were patient with them.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, November 14, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Emerald 1st Ward, located at 300 South 500 West in Heyburn, with Bishop Scott Blauer officiating. Burial will follow at the Rupert Cemetery.

A viewing for family and friends will be held from 5 until 7 p.m. Friday, November 13, at Hansen Mortuary, located at 710 6th Street in Rupert, and from 10 until 10:45 a.m. Saturday, prior to the funeral at the church.

A live webcast of the Funeral Service will be available and maintained at the following link: https://youtu.be/A_v1Y0ezt-g.