Karen Irene Ruona

May 17, 1946 - October 27, 2022
It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Karen Ruona on October 27, 2022, at the age of 76.
Karen Irene Stenerson was born with twin brother Karl on May 17th, 1946 in Hardin, Montana to Edson Richard Stenerson and Anna Irene Iverson Stenerson along with brothers: Micky, David and Jerry. Karen grew up in Ladner, South Dakota. She was joined by six more siblings: Myrna, Robert, Leanna, Dianna and Joe. She attended elementary in a one room schoolhouse then high school in Buffalo, South Dakota. On April 24, 1964, Karen married her life partner Sherman Ruona of Buffalo, South Dakota. They lived in Colorado Springs, CO while Sherman served in the Army at Fort Carson, CO. During this time, they were blessed with a daughter, Lolita Irene. After Sherman's discharge from the Army, the family moved back to Buffalo, South Dakota and worked on the Ruona Ranch. During this time, they had a son, Doyle William. Sherman took an opportunity to work for a harvesting company and moved his family to Coldwater, Kansas. Karen had several jobs in Coldwater but ended up working for the Comanche County Hospital as an X-ray technician. The family lived in Coldwater, KS for ten years then picked up and moved to Colorado in search of better jobs. Original destination was the San Luis Valley but stopped and fell in love with Canon City, Colorado. At the age of 32, Karen returned to school and received her Associate Degree in Nursing, which was her dream. She accomplished this while working full time as a CNA at the Valley View Nursing Home and maintaining a household for her family. Karen received two Presidential awards for grades and passed the state Nursing Boards with excellent scores. She went to work for Saint Thomas More Hospital as a LPN where she worked in all nursing departments but ended up in her favorite role as a labor and delivery nurse. After 28 years as a LPN, the hospital moved away from having LPNs and she was forced into retirement. Karen was a very strong person and survivor of breast cancer, lupus and many other complications that came with these diseases. Before and during retirement Karen and Sherman enjoyed traveling in their camper. One of her favorite trips was to Canada after her father passed away. They took Karen's mother Anna and their granddaughter Kalena on this adventure. It was a very enjoyable trip for all. Poor health for both Karen and Sherman forced them to sell the pickup and camper and limit their trips in 2018. Getting together with her twin brother Karl on their birthday was especially important to them both. When together, their favorite pastime was playing the slot machines and they spent many birthdays doing just that. Karen was a master at hand quilting and hand tying. She completed many quilts with her mother and sisters. She enjoyed crafts including sewing, embroidery, ceramics, and handmade Christmas ornaments. In the past couple years, she took on the challenge of building doll houses with handmade furniture and models of little rooms. The latest was a replica of a Hawaiian house that she was adamant to get back home to finish. It will be finished by one of her granddaughters.
Karen is survived by her husband Sherman of 58 years, brothers: Micky Stenerson, Karl Stenerson (Leslie), Robert Stenerson (Dawn) and Joseph Stenerson (Cheri), sister-in-law Linda Stenerson. Sisters: Myrna Gumpenburger (Robby), Leanna Short (Nathan), Dianna Gray (Alvin) : Daughter Lolita Irene Morlock (Dale), grandchildren: Amanda Rodenbeck (Shawn), Kalena Ruona (Larry), Beau Morlock, Tyrell Morlock, Shyann Morlock, Great Grandchildren: Julian Ruona, Lilly Trimble, Alivia Rodenbeck, Trenton Burgess, Adilynn Rodenbeck, Rosa Laya Morlock, Son Doyle Ruona (Lisa), grandchildren: Kacey Ruona, Brandi Ruona, James Ruona: and numerous Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Nieces, Nephews, Brother-in-law Alvin Ruona (Johanna), Sister-in-laws: Jane Pedrotti, and Judy Askin (Kirk), and many friends.
Karen is preceded in death by her parents Edson and Anna Stenerson, brothers: David Stenerson, and Jerry Stenerson, sister-in-laws: Joanna Stenerson and Barbara Stenerson.
A celebration of Karen’s life and spaghetti luncheon will be held at the Harding County Memorial REC Center on July 16th from 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm. Friends and family are invited.