Karen Lavonne Burgess

The angels came and whisked away Karen Lavonne Burgess peacefully on March 22, 2025. She passed away with her family by her side at the age of 78 at Mercy Medical Center in Redding after a short illness. Karen was born May 3, 1946 in Klamath Falls to her very proud parents Pearl and Mary Brooks. As a young girl, the family lived in Klamath Falls, Crescent City, the Mount Shasta-McCloud area, and finally settled in Montague. The little house of the corner of 14th and King Street was filled with love. Karen's fairytale childhood continued: trips to Uncle Marion and Aunt Mary's Delphic Ranch every chance the family had, 4th of July BBQ's, Thanksgivings, Christmases, birthdays, and all the family gatherings. Then little brother Bruce came along and things got even more exciting. After graduation from Yreka High School, Karen worked at Scott Valley Bank. She married Gordon Dunham, and soon sons Wade and Brett were born. Wade and Brett were her whole world. Life got very busy. The love and support from Paul and Anna Dunham was outstanding, and Karen loved them dearly. Karen worked in the Siskiyou County Auditor's office for 14 years, taking care of her two boys, exercise classes, dancing, and skiing at Mt. Ashland and Bend - she was a very busy girl! In 1980, she met the love of her life, Chuck Burgess, starting their new life together when they married on April 10, 1982. Karen worked at various places after leaving the Auditor's Office, but her favorite jobs were taking care of family and friends, and working at Greg's Guys & Gals for Greg and Dian Colt. Karen enjoyed cooking, baking, and spending time with her dear friend of 65 years, Robin Watson. She would help almost anyone, as long as it wasn't expected. Karen is survived by her loving husband of 43 years, Chuck Burgess of Yreka; her sons, Wade (Tina) Dunham of Yreka, Brett (Jenny) Dunham of Caldwell, Idaho; grandchildren Brian Duncan-Dunham of Yreka, Brittany (Jeremy) Dunham of Caldwell, Idaho; great-granddaughter Macie Duncan-Dunham of Yreka; her brother, Bruce Brooks of Aurora, Colorado; as well as many cousins of the Cox Family of Klamath Falls, Brooks Family of Colorado and Siskiyou County. Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Pearl and Mary of Montague. Karen was known and loved by so many people in our community that it's impossible to mention everyone. Just know that our family appreciates the love and support from all of you. She will be missed greatly. A private family service and a celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Karen Lavonne Burgess

May 3, 1946 - March 22, 2025