I wish I had more specific memories of Karen but it's just been too long since I saw her last.  I was her next-door neighbor in Cottage Grove and was her and Angela's babysitter when I was in high school! I do remember the two of them could be a force to be reckoned with when it was bedtime, but most of the time they were pretty easy kids to babysit. I can also recall they would show up at my house fairly often and want to know if I could come out to "play".  And often I did! I used to have a few pictures from those days - one of Karen twirling her baton in the Bohemia Days Parade and one of Angela standing next to Barbie doll wedding we arranged and had even sewn clothes for. Sadly, they were destroyed in the Almeda fire a few years ago.  I loved hearing the stories of Karen at today's life celebration - I had seen glimpes of the woman she could become when she was a child and am delighted that she far exceeded my expectations.  Bless you all - she will live on and on in your heart, your stories, and your memories!

My Wedding at The Gibbon's House. I joked with Karen at her 50th birthday party about letting my husband & I get married at her place. She said yes without hesitation. She also let me have my Sweet 16th Birthday party in Rick's shop. I’m so lucky to have had you in my life! I will miss you!

I have some many memories of us.  From borrowing her dad's old grey navy truck when we were too young to drive.   The old Datsun b210 that the heater did not work in.  Tri City drive in with Tracee, Linda, Judy, Karen and me drinking cheap wine. Skipping school, homecoming floats, football games, learning how to sew or trying to in home ec.  Cruising the gut in Roseburg on Saturday night.  Parties up the river.   Karen standing up for me when I got married the 1st time with these crazy Zoo Loo knots in her hair that the hairdresser thought would be a good idea.  lol.  I have a million stories but what I remember about her was she was my friend.   She was fierce, loyal and under it all she had a huge soft spot.  She hated injustice especially when it involved children.   Life is not fair, and this was by far one of the most unfair things I have known.   You can't pick your family, but you can pick your friends and I am glad we picked each other.   

so sorry for your loss Gale and Gloria.Visited Karen every once in a while at her office  with  Kristie. Reminising  about our days at the Shop and Kart where we had  some great times  and lots of laughs Those were good days.Kristie and I will miss our visits for sure.

I really did treat my kids in Karen's honor.  I knew what a blast you all had in Hawaii several years ago, so this year we took our kids and grandkids to Hawaii over Christmas.  A couple of months ago, I was at the office when Rick and Karen talked about that trip - both of their faces lit up and I knew that I wanted my family to have such a fabulous time as their family did. 

Rick, Logan and Trini - my thoughts and prayers are with you and yoir whole family.  She touched many lives and will be truly missed.  But all the good memories will keep her close and treasured always. 

I really only knew Karen for a few years, while I was in college and spending lots of time with her son, Logan. In that time, she made a lasting impression of a mother that fiercefully loved her children, as well as any strays they managed to bring home. Between staying at their home during lacrosse trips and their frequent visits to Linfield, Logan's parents quickly became de facto Aunt and Uncle to many of us. She will be missed.

Gale, Gloria,Rickard and family,

I am so, so sorry for your loss. Gale and Gloria you raised a wonderful loving hard working daughter and Rick, Tarinity and Logan you were the recipients of of all of it. Although her life was cut short she gave you wonderful memories to hold on to.

May the Lord give you strength in these coming days to follow.

I am so sorry to hear about Karen’s passing. She was such a wonderful caring lady. She had nothing but positive and caring things to say about my daughter Kristi Sperling after her tragic death. She only had reinforcing things to say about Kristi to help me through my heartbreak. I felt like we had known each other for years. She had a great personality and a contagious laugh even when I felt like I couldn’t. She helped me so much. Much love to Rick and family.

This has been such devastating news for our little community.  Women like Karen, are imperative to creating a strong foundation in a tiny town such as ours. Role Model just does not suffice when describing her. She was a force to be reckoned with, and that shows in the family she created and the community she served. I was raised with Trinity. We started school together, and Karen was one of the only constants our little class had. My parents never thought twice about allowing me to participate in any sleepover, trip, or activity Karen led or was involved in because they knew that she would protect us fiercely and fight for us just as she would do for her own. I can remember Trinity was being acknowledged for something academically, and I happened to glance over at Karen watching her daughter and her eyes were filled with tears and she had a big and beautiful smile on her face. Just like Karen, Trinity excelled in everything she did, and although she was consistently being recognized for it time and time again, it was like Karen was seeing it for the very first time.  She was so proud of her girl. I'll never forget that moment because although I was just a kid, It moved me in a way that I will never forget it. I can remember when us girls would be getting wild and unruly, and the other mothers were struggling to keep us contained, the moment we heard Karen sound off...that was it. When she spoke, we listened. Lol Oh Trinity and Logan, I am so very sorry for the loss of your beautiful Mother. I have so many great memories of her throughout our childhood. Thank you for sharing her with all of us. Sending you all my love in your time of grief. ❤️

One small episode demonstrates Karen’s outspoken humor. If you can, picture Logan and Nick as their six year old selves. They were just little wisps - skinny little farts - looked like bookends. If either one of them turned sideways they pretty much disappeared. Bring on youth basketball! That day we showed up at the elementary school with the boys. In order to distinguish one team from the other - one team had to remove their shirts. Our team. Karen and I looked at boys standing side by side (naked to the waist, little ribs visible, boney knees sticking out of toothpick legs) and then at each other. She stood up, turned to the crowd and in that typical Karen like comment - and in that voice that could project across an entire gym - she shouted, “Just so you all know - we do feed these two skinny ass children.” Laughter ensued.

When you live in and belong to a small town you are going to be enlisted into a number of activities. So it was pretty much written in the stars that Karen and Angela would be involved in everything at school as soon as Gale and Gloria Green moved their family to Riddle. As members of this community we went to school together, we grew our kids together, we grew older together. It’s still the way of many smaller communities. Karen became a compass for many and helped grow a generation in this small town. That’s why it hurts so much to lose someone that has touched so many lives. ♥️

For those of you that knew Karen, you know. And if you find yourself in a tough situation, just ask yourself - what would Karen do. 

My heart is saddened by the loss of a very amazing woman. We loved her smile the glimmer of humor that sparkled in her eyes when she would come into the restaurant for breakfast. We have lost a beautiful friend the word has gained an angel. Our thoughts are with her family.

I am so sorry.  I know that my dad was there to meet you in heaven. 

Karen was one of strongest south county females ever. Karen supported my mother  and us kids through the worst of times and Karen and Rick opened their home to me in my high school years. I grew up looking at the class yearbooks of the Riddle Class of ‘78 and Karen Green stood out. She was tall, beautiful, olive skin tone, athletic and an excellent academic. She supported many school and community endeavors over the years publicly AND anonymously too. Some people talk the talk. Karen walked the walk. Eternal love for the Green and Gibbons families. Rick, Trinity and Logan - stay strong and positive and let Karen’s light shine brightly through you all now. Love you guys. 

Fun high school memories of Karen as part of RHS and being in sports together.  I loved her humor, drive and passion to bring our best to the sport (volleyball and basketball).  My thoughts and condolences to Rick, the Gibbons and Green families.  

What a beautiful lady! My prayers are with the family especially Logan and Lindy. Love to you all! Sandy

Karen you were the best, I love you cousin.  My kids looked up to you.  You are always on my mind l9ve you

A great lady with the heart of gold,was the BOSS but carried for all will truly be missed,