Taylorsville , UT-Our beautiful mother passed on May 20, 2024 after enduring the horrible effects of dementia.

Karen was born July 13, 1948 to Lucille Joyner and was raised in the Sugar House area. She attended East High School, graduating in 1966. She married her high school sweetheart Randy Holding June 24th, 1967.

Together they raised 3 daughters in Taylorsville. She started her career in assembly, and worked on Hellfire missiles up to her retirement. We considered her a rocket engineer!

Karen loved animals, a love she inherited from her own mother, and one she passed down to her daughters. There were always dogs & cats in the home. She unofficially adopted many strays, and pets that came but never left. She was a big supporter of the Humane Society and Best Friends animal sanctuary.

Karen loved to shop, and not just anywhere. She loved ZCMI, later known as Macy's. She always had a coupon and knew how to get the most for her money. She loved to spoil her children and grandchildren with school clothes, birthday and Christmas gifts or simply because she found a sale she couldn't pass up. Her style was impeccable and classy. Her daughters loved raiding her closet.

She loved traveling with Dad, enjoying many cruises and excursions throughout Utah and surrounding states. She continued traveling with relatives and friends after his passing, taking her dream trip to the East Coast. She was an avid golfer and spent many years playing on local golf leagues, up until 2020.

Karen is preceded in death by her loving husband Rand, mother Lucille, sister Ann & brother David. Survived by brother Keith (Michal) Joyner. 3 daughters- Stephanie (Will) Sweatfield, Tannia (Mike) Beckwith, Cynthia (Chris) Perkins, 15 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.

A special thanks goes out to the caregivers who took care of our mother in the final months.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to your local Humane Society or animal shelter.