Karen L. Johnson Franklin

Karen Lee Franklin was born in North Bend, Oregon, January 29, 1959 to Madeline Fellows and James Johnson. Karen had three siblings, Randy Johnson, Tammy Johnson-Andrew’s and Jayne Johnson Irvin. Karen was the middle child. She was a proud lifelong member of her community, she grew up attending North Bend Schools as a Bullpup and later on as a proud Bulldog, forming friendships and memories that lasted a lifetime.

She later married Tim Pugh and welcomed her only daughter, who became one of her greatest joys. Timi Lee-Ruiz.

Karen's heart belonged to the Pacific Northwest. She loved fishing, breathing in the coastal air, and spending time outdoors surrounded by the beauty of the land she cherished throughout her life. 

Karen devoted 25 years of dedicated service to Bay Area Hospital as a phlebotomist and lab technician. Her passion for helping others led her to begin a second career with the Veterans Affairs, where she served as a lab manager until her second retirement. Caring for others was not just her profession .. it was who she was.

She had a laugh that was unforgettable — warm, full, and contagious. It filled rooms, lifted spirits, and wrapped around the people she loved the most.

Her grandchildren, Mia and Armando Ruiz, were the light of her life. She delighted in playing games, sharing stories, laughing until her cheeks hurt, and creating memories that will live on in their hearts forever.

Karen also held a special place in her heart for her son-in-law, who became the son she never had.

Their bond was one of deep respect, love, and quiet understanding. He was not just family by marriage but family by heart.

After a long and courageous battle with metastatic breast cancer, Karen was blessed to spend her final years at home, surrounded by the love of her family - the place she felt most at peace.

Her legacy lives on in the strength she showed, the laughter she shared, and the deep love she poured into her family.

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