It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Karen Markov on June 11, 2023. Born in California to Ruth and Art Kirby in September 1946, Karen was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She lived a life filled with love, ambition, and devotion to her family and friends.

Karen is survived by her devoted husband Nick Markov, her loving daughter Beth Starmer, son in law Jason Starmer, and her cherished grandchildren Ana and Ayden Starmer. She also leaves behind her dear mother Ruth and her siblings Kathy, Kim, Kerry, Kelly, Danny, and David, all of whom will miss her deeply.

Karen found solace and guidance in her faith. She attended Los Gatos Christian Church and served there for many years, along with her first husband Dave Waldrop. Karen and Dave loved to take road trips and camp along the way. They took three cross country trips from California to Canada. Karen always enjoyed the beauty of nature. She and Dave loved their only child Beth. Beth has many fond memories of travel, backyard pool parties with family, beautiful, bountiful vegetable gardens year after year, chickens in the backyard, and so much love and support always from Karen and Dave. With Dave’s passing, Karen later re married to Nick. Karen and Nick enjoyed mountain life together in the Siskiyou wilderness for the past 20 years. Karen loved the majestic views from her home in Fort Jones. Karen and Nick attended Scott Valley Berean Church. They attended Venture Christian Church online since the pandemic. Karen especially loved the sermons by Pastor Tim Lundy. The oldest of 7, Karen has always been independent and ambitious. She liked to plan events and get things accomplished for good. After moving to Fort Jones, Karen became active in her community writing for a local newspaper, joining a quilters guild, donating her time to a local resource center, helping to serve rural, isolated communities. She and Nick were active in the Scott Valley Gem and Mineral Society. Karen also joined the Red Hat Society, local chapter. Karen contributed to Samaritan’s purse for many years putting together boxes for children in need. She enjoyed getting involved and lending a helping hand.  When Beth was little, Karen taught her to “give it a little bit of honey” to do a little bit extra when serving others. Her loving, ambitious, independent, brave, adventurous, and fun personality shone through everything she did and will forever be remembered by those who knew her.

Karen became a nurse and continued to grow in her capacity to serve others with her dedication to her education, which led her to achieve a BA in Health Administration from Saint Mary's College. Her legacy of love, kindness and thoughtfulness for others will continue to live on as an example to all who had the blessing of knowing her.

We invite those who knew Karen to remember her as a beacon of love, strength, and compassion. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends, but her memory will live on in the lessons she shared and the impact she had on those around her. 

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