Karen “Kay” Thomas died on Sept. 9, 2026 at her home in Boardman at the age of 80.
She was born on Dec. 4, 1945 in Hood River to Harold and Elizabeth Dunkel Carlson.
Kay was raised and attended school in Hood River, graduating in the class of 1965. She met Ronald Thomas in Casper, Wyo. and they were married on Dec. 9, 1979 in Butte, Mont. They moved to Boardman in 1992, where they have lived since. They both served with Harold Wheeler in his outreach ministry for several years, and later Kay and Ron co-pioneered and co-pastored a little church in Boardman from 2001 until 2010. She had a strong Christian faith and attended The King’s Garden Church in Boardman. Kay and Ron enjoyed going on road trips around the Northwest to experience God’s beauty.
She is survived by her husband of 46 years, Ronald Thomas, Boardman; son, Lee Thomas and wife Michel, Franklin, Tenn.; daughter, Teresa Shaban and husband John, Reedley, Calif.; grandchildren, Amanda, Crystal, Latisha, Bubba and Jacob; and several great-grandchildren.
Kay was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers, John and Bill Carlson.
A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2026 at 10 a.m. at Burns Mortuary Chapel, Hermiston.
A private burial will be at Mitchell Cemetery.
Please share memories of Kay with her family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
