Obituary: Karen Bowen-Raymond

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In memory of

Karen Bowen-Raymond

of Rapid City, South Dakota, died on Monday, July 29, 2013 at her home in Rapid City at the age of 62

Karen Noreen Bowen-Raymond was born October 23, 1950, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Pierre, South Dakota, the daughter of Marvin Thompson Bowen and Lois Jean (Harry) Bowen. Karen grew up in northern Haakon County and the Ottumwa area. Around 1968 her family moved to the Grindstone area northwest of Philip. Karen graduated from Philip High School in 1968. While attending high school she boarded with Shorty and Edith Clark in Philip. Karen then attended Black Hills State University in Spearfish where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. During her junior and senior years of college she became part of the Fifth Teacher Corps Cycle and a member of the Todd County (SD) Teacher Corps Team.

She also met and married Thomas Raymond of Mission, South Dakota. They were married on April 10, 1971, at the First Lutheran Church in Philip, where Karen was also baptized and confirmed. Karen taught school in Mission, OKreek, and the Klein School. Karen then earned a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from Black Hills State University. Tom and Karen then moved to Winner, South Dakota, where Karen was employed in the Winner School system. While in Winner, Karen was also employed as a dispatched for the Winner Police Department. The next move was to Kadoka, South Dakota. Karen became employed at Crazy Horse School in Wanblee as a middle school teacher and upon earning her second Master’s Degree in Secondary School Administration served as high school principal at Crazy Horse School. Karen then became principal of Rockyford School north of Sharp’s Corner on the Pine Ridge Reservation. Karen then moved to Batesland and continued employment with the Shannon County School District. Karen’s next move was to Loneman School near Oglala, South Dakota, where she served as instructional supervisor.

For more than 20 years, Karen was afflicted with kidney disease and on dialysis most of the time. In 2008, Karen received a kidney transplant and was able to live a normal life until this last year. Also during the past 10 years, Karen suffered from melanoma skin cancer. The first occurrence resulted in major surgery at the Mayo Clinic. The cancer seemed to abate. In January of 2012, the cancer came back and Karen underwent chemo therapy and the cancer again disappeared. This past year the cancer came back with a vengeance and Karen spent most of the past two months in and out of the hospital. The past two weeks Karen was able to spend at home and passed away around 2:00 a.m. Monday, July 29.

This leaves behind her husband Tom. Karen and Tom were married for 42 years. Karen is also survived by three children – daughter, Carrie May (Wayne) and son Coy of Rapid City; daughter, Callie Raymond and daughter Tommie Jo of Rapid City, and son Kenneth Raymond (Christena) and son Bayden of Kadoka and daughter Mayson Buffington of Ridgeview; special daughter, Keeko (Magnus) Gythfeldt and children Myles and Emma of Ridgefield, CT. Karen also leaves behind brother, Kyron Bowen of Philip; sister Karla Whiting of Aberdeen, and special sisters Barbara Esser, Arla Patterson and Anne Lyon.

Karen was preceded in death by her mother and father and special aunt Wanda Heeb.

Karen was a caring person who never complained of her afflictions and the toll it took on her body. She had a good sense of humor and developed a high respect for the spirituality of the Lakota people with whom she worked. Karen believed in the worth and dignity of everyone she met and seldom criticized others.

Memorial services were held 2:00 p.m. Friday August 2, at the United Church in Philip with Pastor Kathy Chesney and a family friend, Pastor Harold Ambrose officiating. A Lakota Prayer will be recited by Ed Young Man Afraid of His Horses.
Interment was in the Masonic Cemetery in Philip.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established.

Open the Memorial Folder

Memorial services: 2:00 p.m. Friday August 2, at the United Church in Philip Interment: Masonic Cemetery, Philip, SD.

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My heart is sad today at the passing of your wife and mother. May God hold you in His arms and give you peace. Karen was a beautiful woman from the inside out; I will always treasure our friendship. ~ Nancy Kampfe Rapid City (7/29/2013)
I am so sad to hear of Karen's death. We worked together for many years. I admired her dedication and enjoyed her sense of humor. I will miss her. My thoughts and prayers are with her loved ones.
~ Robert Vrchota Sioux Falls (7/29/2013)
It was a privilege and honor to call Karen my friend. One of our most coveted times together was attending the Lorie Line Christmas performances! She is an inspiration and role model for many. Her love for life will live on in each of our hearts. ~ Anne Lyon Martin, SD (7/29/2013)
Karla, so sorry to hear of Karen's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. ~ Deanna Williams 841 W 5th Winner,SD (7/29/2013)
I'm so sorry to hear of your wife's death, Tom. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. ~ Lenora Hudson 3001 Jolly Lane, Rapid City, SD (7/29/2013)
Karen was the ultimate, caring educator who served the whole child. I feel so blessed to have known her, worked with her, and learned from her. I'm also so thankful for all she did for the children at Loneman School. My condolences to her family and other friends.
Candy Hamilton ~ Candy Hamilton Rapid City (7/29/2013)
Prayers to Karen on her journey Toksa Ake ~ Alex Romero-Frederick Winner, SD (7/29/2013)
A wonderful educator, who had the heart and compassion for sharing knowledge and wisdom. I will miss you "maske" and all that you brought with you. Some people come with gifts, that are shared and grow. You were one of these, a perfect educator, who provided a place to plant seeds of knowledge, who watered, fed and weeded the youth and never gave up on "us". Encouraging us to ever move forward, but to remember our humble beginnings, and maintain a presence of caring and sharing. I will miss you greatly, but each time I think of grammar I will remember you. Each time I think of my humble beginnings in education I will remember you. Maske - Toksa Ake ~ Monica Terkildsen Wanblee (7/29/2013)
Karla & Family, Sending my sincere sympathy. ~ Janet (Dean) Theye Philip,SD (7/29/2013)
We are thinking of all of you, and sending thoughts and prayers. ~ Justin and Joyce Wheeler 24208 Fairview Rd. Philip, SD (7/29/2013)
We are deeply sorry to hear about the death of Karen. ~ Art, Diane Moul and Mary Barrett Becket Families Rapid City, SD (7/29/2013)
Karen and I worked together for many years at Rockyford and with the Shannon County School District. She was a wonderful friend, a devoted mother and grandmother, and a dedicated educator. We shared many good times, lots of laughs, and a few cries of both joy and sadness together. She was a wonderful inspiration to many people. I am thankful for having known Karen. ~ Judie Bowes Red Wing, MN (7/29/2013)
I saw her picture and name. I know her, we went to BHState together way back when. What a wonderful life she lead, I am sorry for your loss and her family is in my prayers. I remember her as a quiet and gentle soul with a wonderful sense of humor. I am glad to have known her. ~ Mary Hackett Shell Black Hawk, South Dakota (7/29/2013)
I had the privilege of knowing and working with Karen. She was a great educator and friend. I enjoyed her sense of humor and positive attitude. Her dedication and commitment for her profession was commendable. My son praised her and learned a lot from her...he stated on numerous occasions that Mrs. Raymond was tough but one of his best teachers...she had high expectations and truly believed in her students. We lost a great educator but will be remembered by many. I am so grateful for having the opportunity to work with her and know her as a friend. Sincere Sympathy and prayers to her family. ~ Amelia Blackbear Stephan, SD 57346 (7/29/2013)
Mrs. Bowen-Raymond was one great teacher who graced her stern ability to teach me the basis of showing "self-discipline" in everyday life. I am thankful for her as well as Mr. Raymond. Mrs. Raymond (I called her by her last name out of respect) to me, had that loving smile and cheerful deposition about life. I remember seeing her at the circus in May. Her remark was, "This is the only place and time I get to see my students." I jokingly responded that this is the only place I try to return home to my family. To the family of Mrs. Raymond, losing a mom is tough. But remember that she will be with you always. My brothers and I send our condolences to Mr. Raymond and family. From the COnroys' of Wanblee, SD; Kadoka, SD; and Denver CO. ~ Eli Conroy Wanblee, SD (7/29/2013)
It has been a honor and privilege to say that Karen is my friend. I will always remember how much she loved and treasured the grandchildren. Karen has shown all of us what it is like to be brave in the face of adversity and from her example we have all learned so much. God was blessing us when he put her into our lives. May you all find peace and comfort in your memories. ~ Mark Donovan Batesland SD (7/29/2013)
I'm very sad to hear of Karen's passing. She and I were roommates in Mission, when we were in the Teacher Corps together. After reading her obituary I can see that she lead a full life not only in her chosen career but also with her beloved family. When those we love become a memory...those memories become treasures. My thoughts and prayers are with Tom and the rest of the family. Blessings in heaven my dear friend. ~ Rindi Plambeck Cody, WY (7/29/2013)
Our sincerest sympathy. Karen was a good friend, neighbor and an inspiration to all of us. Most of all, she was a dedicated educator that touched so many lives. ~ Yvonne & Gary Fenenga Winner, SD (7/29/2013)
My prayers are with the family of Maske'Karen. I had the opportunity to work with Karen, and she was a true blessing to all of us at Catholic Social Services-Lakota Circle's of Hope Program. Karen dedicated her life to teaching our Lakota Children, I know she will be greatly missed by all.... ~ Joanne Beare Rapid City, SD (7/29/2013)
I am greatly sorrowed to hear of your mother and loved one passing. I Know she was a very caring person and strong willed. All of you will be in my thoughts and prayers. She is not Gone she is there in Spirit. ~ Mike Fuhrmann Rapid city (7/29/2013)
Karen was an amazing woman. I have missed her for years as I always enjoyed visiting with her about children & education. My heart goes out to you all. ~ Diana Coller Kadoka SD (7/29/2013)
I had the priveledge of not only teaching with Karen but also having her as a neighbor. She was full of knowledge and love for teaching and embraced life with a smile and determination. I am sorry for your loss and will include you in prayers as you continue on without Karen in your lives. She will truly be missed by many. ~ Pam Bonenberger Kadoka (7/29/2013)
My prayers in this time of loss. My sincere sympathy
~ Dorothy McLean Carter "Red Hills" SD (7/29/2013)
It was a shock to read Karens obituary in the TC paper this morning. I am so sorry to hear of her journey. I spent many happy times with Karen at South Elementary in Mission. She was a great teacher and a very positive person. She will be missed. My deepest sympathy to her family... ~ Carol Brookens Sturgis, SD (7/29/2013)