Karen Johnson Babcock

Karen Johnson Babcock, 77, of Smithfield, passed away on September 2, 2023 in North Logan, Utah.
Karen was born July 17, 1946 in Idaho Falls Idaho and was adopted by Ralph and Genevieve Johnson. She grew up in Michigan and Ohio. School was not her favorite and so she graduated a year early to head off to BYU. During her second year at BYU she met Warren Babcock. They got married June 17th 1965 in the Logan Utah Temple. Karen graduated from BYU with her bachelors degree majoring in social work and a minor in child development and family relations. Upon graduation they moved to Washington State and lived there for 14 years. During those years they were able to adopt 4 beautiful and extraordinary children.
Karen was able to use her degree during those years by being a licensed crisis residence, foster care and safe home for battered women. She had a love for helping others.
In 1981 the family moved to Smithfield Utah when Warren got a job at Utah State. She was so excited to be able to be close to her parents who lived in North Logan.
Both church and scouting service were significant aspects of Karen’s life. Her church service included positions in the Relief Society, Primary and Young Women. She was a den mother for 20 plus years and was a Silver Beaver recipient. From 2007 to 2008, Warren and Karen served as Senior Missionaries in the Washington DC North Mission.
Among her hobbies, Karen enjoyed puppeteering, music, button collecting and reading.
Karen is preceded in death by her husband Warren Eugene and granddaughter Sydney Howell and numerous furry friends. She is survived by: her children: Thom, Missy (Rod) Stuart, Kim (Rena), and Soonhee (Marty) Blackburn; and 8 grandchildren and 2 siblings Chris Johnson, Bill (Karlette) Johnson.
A viewing will be held on Friday September 8th from 12:00-2:00pm at Cache Valley Mortuary followed by a brief memorial.
Interment will be at the Smithfield City Cemetery.
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