Karen Kay Thurber Duffy

Karen Kay Thurber Duffy, age 83, passed away peacefully on January 8, 2026, in Bountiful, Utah, surrounded by loving family members who held her hand as she entered her eternal rest.

Karen was born on January 17, 1942, in Boise, Idaho, the beloved and only daughter of Waldo Arion Thurber and Evian Pearl Seetin Thurber. She grew up in a lively home with three brothers near historic Harrison Boulevard, where she developed early talents in ballet and piano. Summers at the family cabin in McCall, Idaho—especially along the shores of Payette Lake—were among her most cherished memories, including riding behind the boat on a makeshift surfboard fashioned from a door.

Karen met her childhood sweetheart, Ronald Dale Duffy, while working in retail at The Merc in Boise. They married shortly after her graduation from Boise High School and later moved to Pocatello, Idaho, where Dale pursued a business degree on a collegiate athletic scholarship, first in boxing and later in track. Together they built a marriage rooted in faith, dedication, and hard work, and were sealed for eternity in the Idaho Falls Temple.

Upon returning to Boise, Karen and Dale welcomed four children in under four years: Debra Blaser; twins Jan Lovoi (Randy) and Jon Duffy (Sheri); and Tim Duffy (Channing). As Dale established his real estate career, Karen devoted herself fully to their family and later worked alongside him as his secretary, business partner, and eventually a licensed real estate and property management professional. Together they built and operated Dale Duffy Real Estate and Development with tireless commitment. Karen’s mastery of language and lightning-fast typing not only strengthened the business but helped many family members through school papers and projects.

Karen’s life was marked by unwavering devotion—to her husband, her family, and her faith. A faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she served for many years as a Primary teacher and enjoyed sharing her alto voice in the ward choir. She was known for her cheerful spirit, witty humor, and gentle advice to “always keep a smile on your face because it’s so much more flattering.” Karen also had a lifelong love of dogs, each one dearly cherished as a member of the family.

In her later years, Karen endured a long journey with dementia with remarkable grace and quiet courage. Even as memories faded, her warmth, kindness, and love continued to shine through.

Karen was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ronald Dale Duffy; her parents, Waldo and Evian Thurber; her brothers, Ronald Thurber and Gary Thurber; and her grandsons, Brett Nickel and Kelton Duffy.

She is survived by her four children; 14 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren; her brother Rick Thurber (Jinny); and Scott Blaser, who will always be considered family.

A graveside service will be held at Dry Creek Cemetery, 9600 W. Hill Road, Boise, Idaho, on January 17, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. —the day she would have celebrated her 84th birthday.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at the Lifecare facility, especially Michelle, for the kindness shown to Karen—including making sure she never went without her Diet Coke and M&Ms—and to her longtime visiting teacher, Reba, whose faithful service reflected the same devotion Karen gave to others throughout her life.