Karen Lou Richardson Tarbet

Karen Lou Richardson Tarbet, 81, passed away peacefully while surrounded by family on December 23, 2023 in Midvale Utah. Karen was a survivor of multiple strokes who perservered through 20 years of associated physical challenges. She was born February 14, 1942 in Cathlamet, Wahkiakum County, Washington state. A daughter to Bertram Haldon Richardson and Laurice Hilma Burch, Karen was the Valentine’s baby that brought joy to everybody.

Karen grew up along the Columbia River in Skamokawa Washington on a dairy farm. She graduated from Wahkiakum High School in 1960 and attended Brigham Young University as an academic scholarship student. While at her parent’s home during summer break, after one year attending BYU, Karen was assigned to speak at the district conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The topic was, “Why I Want to be Married in the Temple.” In attendance was a young Air Force officer, Floyd, who was smitten by her beauty and her spiritual maturity. Thus began a lifelong courtship that continued throughout their lives and will continue into eternity. Floyd and Karen were sealed for time and eternity on December 27, 1962, in the Logan, Utah temple.

Karen is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints and served faithfully in various callings. She served two missions with Floyd in Cherry Hill, New Jersey (1999-2001) and Charlotte, North Carolina (2012-2013). Additionally, Karen was influential in preparing her seven sons, who all served full-time missions for the Church.

Karen was a dedicated wife and mother. She was a serious student of the scriptures. She studied Spanish. She was an accomplished pianist and organist. She enjoyed sewing, reading, and cooking. Her talents blessed the lives of her family and others. 

She is survived by her husband, Floyd; and eight children; Lee Tarbet (Marie) of Thousand Oaks CA, Karl Tarbet (Christy) of Davis CA, Jerrold Tarbet (Karin) of St. Leon Rot, Germany, Chris Tarbet (Kari) of Sandy UT, Tom Tarbet (Melissa) of Meridian ID, David Tarbet (Ariane) of Advance NC, John Tarbet of New York NY and Nancy (Aaron) Koeppen of Four Seasons MO. Survivors also include 31 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild.

Friends and family may gather Friday, December 29 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Goff Mortuary located at 8090 S. State Street in Midvale UT. A funeral service will be held Saturday, December 30 at 11:00 a.m. in the Sandy Second Ward chapel located at 586 East 8400 South in Sandy, UT with visitation from 10:00-10:45 am. Interment will be at the Midvale Cemetery.

The service will be livestreamed on the Goff Mortuary Facebook Page at the following link: 
https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Funeral-Service---Cemetery/Goff-Mortuary-116988261695382/ 
(The livestream video will appear when the service starts.)