Karen Leah (Mills) Nicodemus passed away peacefully surrounded by her family at Walsh Healthcare Center on April 6, 2024.  Karen was born on April 11, 1937, in Blanca, Colorado to Herman and Dorothy Mills.  Over her 86 years of life, she acquired many names such as Mom, Grandma Karen, Granny, Pearl and more.  During her time here on Earth, Karen left a lasting mark on the people of Baca County.

Karen was the oldest child with two sisters, Marilyn and Shalah, who were very close their whole lives.  They spent time together planning family reunions and went on numerous trips to scout out places for future reunions.  One of the highlights of their trips was to frequent the art galleries.  Karen was the protector for her sisters, and this special bond lasted a lifetime.  Not only was she an amazing sister, but a good friend.

She went to grade school at the Konance country school.  Later she attended school at Walsh High School and graduated in May of 1955.  Throughout high school, Karen held many leadership roles such as class vice president, class secretary and class treasurer.  She also participated in many activities including being the Walsh Football Queen her freshman year, Miss Basketball Queen candidate for the Easten Arkansas Valley League her sophomore year, Pep club member and Girls' Activities participant all four years.  Karen served as a substitute cheerleader, Glee Club (choir) member and member of her Jr. and Sr. Class Plays as well as being involved in Class History.

Karen was a friend of many and loved by all.  She was ornery, kindhearted, stubborn and genuine.  On June 5, 1955, she married her life-long partner, Willard Nicodemus on her family's ranch.  Five years after they were married, Karen and Willard became a family of three, welcoming Lesa in October of 1960.  Three years later, in November of 1963 they brought Zane into the world.

Karen spent most of her career working cattle, driving a tractor, riding horses, and doing whatever needed done on the farm helping Willard.  During tax season she worked for the Robsons.  Karen enjoyed arrowhead hunting, dancing while Willard played in the band and spending lots of time with family.  In addition, Karen helped time the arena events for the Little Britches Rodeos for about eight years while Lesa and Zane competed, and Willard judged.  She followed her kids as they played sports and to their knowledge never missed a game.  Her many hobbies included painting, crocheting, gardening and canning.  She delighted in playing cards, dice games and dominoes with her family and friends.

On January 21, 1987, Karen was blessed with her first grandchild, Amanda.  Two years later, on December 9, 1989, Kale was born.  Exactly one month after meeting her second grandchild Samantha was born on January 9th.  Karen enjoyed watching her grandkids as they played sports and sure enjoyed family time playing cards and dominoes with them too!  Her grandkids always loved her chocolate sheet cake, pistachio pudding and other delicious desserts.  Ronnie would tease Karen that she only made the chocolate sheet cake if Zane was coming.  The Sunday afternoons spent with her grandkids on their farm made for lasting memories of adventures and laughter.  Attending church with her kids and grandchildren brought her great joy.  Karen was baptized at Walsh Baptist Church where she attended for many years.

Back in 1987, she began working in town at Lease Chiropractic.  Her bright smile, compassion and kindness shined through to others in our community while assisting Dr. Lease.  They became very good friends and made many memories over the years.  She retired in 2008.

Karen and Willard were married for 52 years.  Her love, devotion and care for him during his last few years was a beautiful example of agape love.  Willard passed away on September 22, 2006.

She was blessed with four great-grandkids:  Tegan in July of 2008, Wyatt in March of 2012, Wade in June of 2015 and Waycee in April of 2017.  Spending time with them was precious to her!

After moving into Maplewood Homes in September of 2020, she spent her days visiting with the amazing people who took care of her and kept her company as well as her amazing friends.  All of which she loved and cared for deeply.  When she wasn't visiting her friends, she spent her time playing Bingo and participating in all the other fun activities that were offered.

Karen is preceded in death by her husband, Willard Nicodemus, parents, Herman and Dorothy Mills, in-laws, RV and Mary Nicodemus, sisters, Shalah Perkins and Marilyn Mundell, brothers-in-law, Jess Perkins and John Mundell, grandson, Kale Nicodemus, and great-granddaughter, Mercy Bagwell.

Accepting her departure is hard by those who she left behind.  Karen is survived by her children, Lesa and husband Ronnie Selman, and Zane and wife Pam Nicodemus both of Walsh, Colorado, grandchildren, Samantha and husband Charlie Parker of Walsh, Amanda and husband Jacob Schrepel of Ocklawaha, Florinda, Jordon and husband Zack Snow of Moscow, Kansas, four great-grandchildren:  Tegan, Wyatt, Wade and Waycee and special cousin Rodney and wife Nikki Reed of Sturgis, South Dakota along with a host of other cousins, nieces, nephews and awesome friends.