Karen Peterson Benzley, our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend, passed away peacefully at her home on January 30, 2025. She was born on March 9, 1943, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to Vaughn J. Peterson and Inez Brough Peterson. Karen was a beacon of kindness, faith, and service throughout her life, touching the hearts of all who knew her.

Karen spent her early years on the family farm in Idaho, where she developed a strong work ethic and a love for the outdoors. She enjoyed riding tractors with her father and helping with farm chores like picking potatoes and milking the cows. She attended Bonneville High School, where she was a varsity cheerleader, a student government leader, and a member of the drill team. Her warmth and enthusiasm made her a class favorite among her peers.

In 1964, Karen married her sweetheart Steven E. Benzley, and together they built a life centered on faith, family, and service. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics Education from Brigham Young University. She taught homemaking at a junior high school in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she also served as Junior Sunday School Coordinator and Stake Young Women President.

Karen and Steve’s journey took them to Davis, California, where she supported him during his PhD studies and they welcomed their first son, Lance. They then returned to Albuquerque, where three more children, Kamalyn, Rhonda Lynn, and Layne, joined their family. In 1980 the family moved to Provo where their youngest daughter Caroline was born. Karen called Provo home for the rest of her life.

Her most cherished role was that of mother and homemaker in her own home. She enjoyed many family traditions and loved to bake elaborate birthday cakes, prepare Sunday meals for both small and large family gatherings, sew prom dresses for her daughters and create a magical Christmas with a meticulously trimmed tree and creatively wrapped presents. Her door was always open for her nieces and nephews, friends and anyone who needed her help. She also enjoyed music and ensured that all her children gained a similar love through learning to play the piano as well as a host of other instruments.

Throughout her life, Karen’s service extended beyond her family. She and Steve sponsored refugees from Vietnam, welcomed visiting students from around the world, and played leadership roles at BYU and in the community. She served as President of BYU Engineers Wives, President of BYU Women, and President of Dixon Junior High School PTA. Her church service included roles as Laurel Advisor, Primary President, and Stake Relief Society President.

Karen’s dedication to lifelong learning led her to study Chinese at BYU after touring China. She developed a unique skill in writing Chinese characters and immersed herself in the language. Her love for teaching extended to her missionary work, where she helped missionaries with reading and speech impediments at the MTC, witnessing miracles in their progress.

Karen and Steve served a full-time mission at BYU-Idaho from 2012 to 2014, helping establish the Civil Engineering program and spiritually strengthening individuals in the Rexburg area. Upon returning to Provo, she continued her devoted service as a temple ordinance worker for many years.

Karen’s greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her husband, Steven E. Benzley, and their children: Lance Steven (Kimberly Preece), Kamalyn, Rhonda Lynn (Richard Lucas), and Layne P. (Caroline Hinckley), as well as other beloved family members including Ralph (Dale) Peterson, Ryan Peterson, Randy (Sandy) Peterson and James Wilde.

She was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Caroline, and granddaughter, Emma.

She leaves behind a cherished legacy in her grandchildren: Owen, Zack (Lizza), Kaden, Jake, Steven, Jacob, Katelyn (Zach), Rachel, Alexander, Ethan (Kate), Dallin, Erik, Courtney, Brady, Anna, Luke, Clara, and Brynn.

Karen’s life was defined by service, faith, and love. Her influence will be felt for generations to come, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

A viewing will be held on February 7, 2025, from 6:00 – 8:00 PM at the LDS Grandview South Stake Center (1122 Grand Ave, Provo). The funeral service will take place at the same location on February 8, 2025, at 11:00 AM, preceded by a viewing from 9:30 – 10:30 AM. Interment will follow at the Orem City Cemetery.

A webcast of the service is available at https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTczODg2Nzk2NDM0ODg2NiZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==