Karan Ann (Winn) Gibson was born July 19, 1949 to Alvin and Edith Winn in Burns.  She joined by her older brother, Richard, and seven years later, her brother, Ronald was born.  

Karan attended school in Burns and graduated from Burns High School in 1967. She moved to Eugene briefly to attend cosmetology school, but quit school to marry Irvin Stanley Gibson on May 1, 1968. Irvin and Karan moved to Prineville, for approximately a year and half before moving back to Harney County.  Other than these brief periods, Karan lived her entire life in Harney County. 

Karan had a son and a daughter, Randy Lee Gibson and Zola Marie (Gibson) Ryan. During her children’s younger years, Karan stayed home to care for them.  She often babysat for other families in her home. Once both kids were in school, Karan went to work for the Harney County Senior Center first in housekeeping, then in the kitchen, and finally serving as secretary for many years. After retiring from the Senior Center, Karan provided in-home care for many elderly people in the community. She truly loved this work, being able to serve and care for people in their final days. 

Karan was a member of Faith Baptist Church of Harney County where she loved to worship God and serve her church family. Many, many people who grew up in Harney County knew Karan as the “Cubby Lady” from her many years of service teaching the youngest age group at AWANA on Monday nights.  

Karan passed away on Feb. 10, 2024, at home with her husband, daughter, and brother at her side. She was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband, Irvin Gibson; brothers, Richard Winn and Ronald Winn; son, Randy Gibson and daughter-in-law, Dayla; daughter, Zola Ryan and son-in-law, Eric; and three granddaughters, Glenna Mae Ryan, Shannon Ryan, and Fiona Ryan.  

A memorial service will be held Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024. at 11 a.m., at Faith Baptist Church of Harney County in Hines. A meal will be shared afterward.