Obituary

Karen S. Yoast, age 66 of Goodyear, AZ died April 3, 2019, in Goodyear, AZ, after a 3-year struggle with ALS. She was born December 19, 1952, in Rock Springs, Wyoming, the youngest of four children born to Aaron and Ione Deneley. Outgoing and friendly, it was impossible to be around Karen without becoming her friend. She had a wicked sense of humor and she loved to keep everyone in stitches. She grew up in Rock Springs, Wyoming, and later moved to Orem, UT where she lived for 35 years. A hard-working woman, she worked for the Utah Department of Transportation for 30 years, starting out driving a snow plow and working on paint crews, and later as office manager and contract administrator on large construction projects. Her excellent work habit earned her the honor of the Utah Department of Transportation Employee of the Year in 2017. She left many good friends in the department when she moved to AZ to be with her sister.

Karen could do anything! From baking to fixing plumbing problems, there were no limits to her expertise. She loved to cross stitch, do needlework, write poetry, work crossword and sudoku puzzles, and read. She adored her parrot, Graham and beagle, Gillette and watching animals in the wild.

Karen is survived by her son, Justin Yoast and daughter-in-law Jacquelyn of North Myrtle Beach, SC; sister, Diane Burns and brother-in-law, retired Brig. Gen. Pat Burns; and three grandchildren, Dallas, Garrison, and Savannah. She was preceded in death by her parents, Aaron and Ione Deneley.

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35 responses to Karen S. Yoast

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Alan Bills says:

April 9, 2019

Sorry for your loss. Actually the whole worlds loss. I loved Karen’s laughter wit and positive attitude. She will be missed by all who knew her.

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Stan Adams says:

April 9, 2019

So sorry to hear of Karen’s passing. She was a good friend and UDOT associate and I thoroughly enjoyed working with her on many projects. She had such a sweet personality and always had a smile. Her jovial nature was such a welcome to be around. I will miss her.

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Kristy Ryder says:

April 9, 2019

We’re so sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing, she truly was a special person. We met her @ Callie’s yrs ago, I had the pleasure of doing her hair for a number of yrs & I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know her. She was always so fun & sweet with Our 2 Son’s & 4-legged kids. The world has lost a sweet soul. RIP Karen you will be sorely missed.
Jim & Kristy Ryder

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Jim Golden says:

April 10, 2019

I was so sorry to hear of Karen’s passing.

I remember meeting Karen as an intern when she was on a UDOT Paint Crew – painting at nights. She was hilarious and so fun to be around. Years later she was our crew’s office manager. We all knew who was really in charge. She was an exceptional worker and was very good at her job – named UDOT Employee of the Year and also earning the UDOT Career Achievement Award in 2017, just before she retired.

She also took care of all of us as our “crew mom”. She would lighten any room with her personality, whit and humor – especially after graduating from “Charm School” (she had a diploma). She loved shoes with good “gription” – well – she just loved shoes. Her special nick names and sayings would have us in stitches. “Is it hot in here? Or am I just having my own personal summer?” – my personal favorite.

Karen and my mom share the same birth date. When Karen was quitting smoking, my mom brought her a Costco sized bag of Wint-O-Green Lifesavers, and they became fast friends – calling each other on their birthday for many years after that.

Karen will always hold a special place in my heart and I will remember her with fondness. The stories will live forever. She will never be forgotten.

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Jim Soderlund says:

April 10, 2019

Diane and Patrick; Justin was very very young when I last interacted with her in Rock Springs. I’m very saddened to read about Karen’s passing. If there was something I could do to fill that void; I’d do it. If there was something I could say to remove the hurt; I’d say it. All I can do is ask you accept my condolences. God be with you.

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1. Diane Burns says:
  
  April 21, 2019
  
  Jim,
  It’s taken me awhile to get to answering these. It meant a lot to me that someone from home would remember her and take the time to send condolences. Thank you for your kindness, Diane (Deneley) Burns