Karen Marie Vaughan

April 26, 1971 ~ May 27, 2007

Our family's brightest star left us when she died of an illness unexpectedly at her home at the tender age of 36.

Karen was born on April 26, 1971 in Billings, Mont. to Carol (Vaughan) Kemmis and George Dennis Vaughan. At the age of 3 years, she lost her dad when he died of a heart attack at age 38. And then, four years later, Karen acquired a new dad when her mom married Ernie Kemmis in Billings.

Karen was always a very motivated and independent child, and proceeded, unbeknownst to her Mom, to get a job at the age of 15 while attending West High School.

She was always an extremely bright student, attending Billings's schools and graduating from MSU-B in May of 2001, after taking time out to think about her career and what she wanted to do with her life. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English, deciding she want to be an editor. While attending MSU-B, she co-edited the school newspaper and also co-edited "The Rook, " an annual student publication which publishes a select group of student works. An editorial note at the end of the book reads that she's still fond of T. S. Elliot;s poetry and that "when she grows up, she wants to edit books and make cloth rugs." Karen also served as a Teaching Assistant where she evaluated and graded analytical, argumentative and other essays for two online composition courses.

Karen was a long-time employee of the Billings Gazette during her short life, starting in the newsroom where she was an editor and receptionist. She served in that capacity until May of 2000, and then took time out to devote full time obtaining her degree. She then resumed work for the Gazette in November of 2001 as a Classified Inside Team Leader and eventually became a Recruitment Specialist in August of 2002 until the present.

Karen loved her cozy new home which she had bought a couple of years ago, and doted on her three kitties, Callie, Buddy and Emilie. Family was so important to her and to all of us! She loved daffodils, the color purple, and her best friends Jen and sister Konnie. It will be hard to celebrate all the holidays, birthdays and other occasions with her bright smiling face missing. She brought out the best in all of us and we know the angels will be smiling to greet "our Chacho."

Karen is survived by her mother Carol Kemmis and step-father Ernie Kemmis of Billings, her brother Michael Vaughan of Billings, her sister Konnie (Rick) Jansma of Phoenix, her sister Kim (Bill) Lamdin of Billings and her brother Cary (Renae) Barnett of Boise. Also surviving are nieces Grace Lamdin and Elizabeth Barnett and nephews John Lamdin and Steven Barnett as well as other aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be sent to Help for Homeless Pets, 2910 Hannon Road, Billings, Mont. 59101 or to the charity of your choice.

Memorial services will be held Monday, June 4, 2007, at 2 p.m. at the American Lutheran Church, 5 Lewis Avenue, Billings.