Terry “Karen” Morgan entered the gates of heaven on Oct. 19, 2024, with her children and wonderful caregivers by her side. Born on Nov. 9, 1940, in Pendleton, to Ed and Norma (Terry) Garris, Karen was an only child who spent her childhood on the family wheat and pea farm near Mission, close to the Umatilla Indian Reservation. She nurtured animals and helped on the farm, especially during harvest time, while also immersing herself in drama and choir activities during her school years.

Karen graduated from Pendleton High School in 1958 and went on to study nursing at Eastern Oregon University in La Grande, later completing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at OHSU in Portland. After college, she married Richard “Dick” Morgan and settled in Burns, where she spent over 50 years as a vital part of the Harney County  community. Nursing and family were the cornerstones of her life.

She began her nursing career at the offices of Doctors White and Campbell and continued at Harney District Hospital, the Harney 4-C, and the Burns Paiute Indian Reservation. Karen led the Candy Striper program for many years, served as the Lamaze Director, and contributed to the CNA program at TVCC. She found joy in bringing new life into the world and helping aspiring nurses pursue their calling.

In her spare time, Karen ensured her children participated in every activity they desired. She was an All Sports Mom (supporting Little League, Wrestling, Basketball, Football, and Swimming), a 4-H Leader, a Girl Scout Leader, the camp nurse, a water aerobics  coordinator, a supporter for Guide Dogs for the Blind and leader of the local Guide Dogs for the Blind puppy-raising club. As a member of the Harney County Church of the Nazarene, she sang in their choir and assisted with various community events, including Chamber Music and High School Band performances, and provided music for many funerals during the years the Salladays owned the Chapel. When she sought a break, she found solace in her garden, nurturing plants with a green thumb that could revive  even the most wilted flowers.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Dick. She is survived by her daughter, Terri Jo (and partner Daniel “Dobe” Stoddart); her son, Matt (and partner Lisa Lemos Jones); and numerous nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. 

Memorial services and a celebration of Karen’s wonderful life will be held on Saturday, Nov. 9, at 1 p.m. at the Gathering Place on the Burns Paiute Reservation. Internment will follow at the Burns Cemetery. This day would have marked Karen’s 84th birthday. Hot soup and birthday cake will be shared after the interment at the Gathering Place. Please join the family for an afternoon of remembrance, celebration, and  storytelling. 

In her last ten years, Karen bravely battled Alzheimer’s and Dementia. Music, a significant part of her life, remained a source of comfort during her final years. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in her memory to the BHS Band Program, which  can be mailed to Burns High School, 1100 Oregon Avenue, Burns, OR 97720 (please note “in memory of Karen Morgan”).