Karen Ann Patterson Osborne
Details
About Karen Ann Patterson Osborne
Karen Ann Patterson Osborne, beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, Daughter of Edwin Webb Patterson and Ellen Celeste McClendon Patterson, passed away peacefully on July 15, 2025, in Mesa, Arizona, at the age of 80.
Karen was born on May 28, 1945, in Winslow, Arizona. She grew up in Pine, AZ, and graduated from Payson High School. Early in her career, Karen worked for her brother at his Volkswagen dealership and later worked as a Director at Palo Alto Preschool and Gerber Children’s Center. She also worked at Pomerado Publishing in Poway, California, where she contributed her talents and dedication to the publishing world.
On May 30, 1965, Karen married the love of her life, John Osborne, in Las Vegas and was later sealed in the LDS Mesa temple in 1979. They shared many wonderful years together before John preceded her in death, along with their beloved son, Jonathan Osborne.
Karen was a woman of many roles: mom, grandma, aunt, friend, and caregiver. She was known for her compassion, positivity, and her open heart. Always ready to help others, Karen had a big heart and an open door for those in need.
She is survived by her daughters: Valerie Stoddard, Krista Hayes, Kerry Osborne, and Kimberly Gillispie. She also leaves behind 11 grandchildren: Robert Christopher Wolfe, Colby Olen, Jared Birmingham, Kassidy Hayes, Gillian Brace, Kara Gillispie, Jackson Daniels, Lucas Gillispie, Khloe Daniels, Aria Gillispie, and Kai Salazar.
Karen was also blessed with 5 great-grandchildren: Carson Birmingham, Jameson Birmingham, Austin Birmingham, Osborne “Ozzie” Brace, and Florence Brace.
Karen’s warmth, strength, and unconditional love will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Services will be held:
At the Church of Latter Day Saints
7752 E McDowell Rd, Mesa, AZ 85207
Tuesday July 22, 2025
9:00 am Family Gathering
10:00 am Service followed by luncheon
2:00 pm burial at the Pine, AZ cemetery
Flowers can be sent to:
Bunker Family Funerals and Cremation 33 N Centennial Way Mesa, AZ 85201
Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.
14 comments
Jeff Olen
Karen was kind and generous to me. Even during times when she had reason not to be. Rest in peace old friend.
Janae Jarnagin
We are heartbroken to hear about Karen’s passing. Karen was such a special part of our lives for so many years. She and John cared for our dog Rosie like she was their own, and we trusted them completely. Karen had such a gentle, loving spirit and was truly a sweetheart to our entire family. She was a good friend! We are deeply grateful to her! Please know we’re holding you in our hearts and sending love during this difficult time.
Betty Sue Conway
Karen and I were high school friends in Payson. We kinda lost touch over time, but I always considered her to be a good friend. My condolences to the family. May God comfort you all.
Cora and Teddy Salazar
Karen is a kind and beautiful woman. Karen will forever remains in our hearts and memories.????????
Vickie Harvey
I was privileged to work with Karen for many years at Pomerado Newspaper Group. She was one of the best supervisors I ever had. She truly cared about the company and all of us who worked there. I never once saw her get angry. She handled her job calmly and efficiently and I respected her for that. In 2000 I was named employee of the year. I was really honored and surprised. She never said anything but I know she was the one responsible for that. I will miss her deeply.
Sue MacIntyre
Dave and I spend many Thanksgiving and Christmas festivities with John and Karen and the extended families. I have such wonderful memories of these special times. Rest in Peace, Karen. Love you…………
Robert Fuller
I knew Karen and her parents growing up in Pine at the same time. I remember her and her brother at the Mobile Oil gas station which was owned by her father. I didn’t know of her after she left Pine but she apparently had a very full life and a wonderful family. It’s sad to hear of the passing of another early resident of my home town with whom I was acquainted. My condolences go out to her family in their loss of a loved matriarch.
Rita and Terry Rowan
Please accept our deepest sympathy on the loss of your beloved mother and grandmother. May her memory be a blessing. Much love , Rita and Terry
Mary Lou Haley Panatopoulos
I’m so sorry to learn of Karen’s passing. My condolences to her family. I was a few years older than she, but we went to high school together. She was a very kind person with a sweet smile.
Sharon Flack Denning
I went to high school with Karen and always loved her. I am so sorry for your loss!
Nichole Chacon
Beautiful obituary.
Charlie and Diane Goodsell
We send our love and heartfelt sympathy for your loss. May you find comfort knowing that Karen is at peace with a loving God
The Fila Family
Sending our love and prayers. What a wonderful woman and a tremendous legacy. God bless you all.
Darin, Cyndi, Emma and Drew Fila
Linda Carr
So sorry to hear of Karen’s passing. She was a good friend. Blessings and hugs to her family. She will be missed. ❤️❤️❤️