Melda Karen Strawn Burress

Melda Karen Strawn Burress, age 78, passed peacefully on October 15, 2016 after a valiant battle with cancer. Funeral services were held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mountain Creek Parkway Ward, 1845 Big Stone Gap Road, Duncanville, Texas on October 18, 2016. Karen was born to Lester and Alberta Strawn on December 3, 1937 in Fruitland, Idaho. She attended school in New Plymouth, Idaho and in Adrian, Oregon where she was a cheerleader in her high school years. She is preceded in death by her first husband Major William James Griffin of Homedale, Idaho who died during the Vietnam War. They had three children, Barton Duane (Lynn) Burress, Marcia Denise Burress, and Michael Sean Burress. Those that she leaves behind include her husband, Billy Breen Burress, whom she married in 1969; her three children; and her six grandchildren, Stephen Burress, Lyndsey (Brett) Wolgram, Alyssa (Chris) Pavlin, Elly Burress, Logan Burress, and Kyley Buress. She also leaves behind a sister, Nancy Redford; and two brothers, Arnold Strawn and Leslie Strawn. Always up for a new adventure she joined her husband, Billy, over the road trucking for a number of years. After that they moved to Dallas, Texas where she worked in a variety of convenience stores. During her years in Texas she used her artistic talents doing many arts and crafts. After surviving a bout with throat cancer 20 years ago, she became an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mountain Creek Ward in Duncanville, Texas. During her years as an active member she was called to many positions which she fulfilled joyfully and gladly. Karen will join her departed loved ones interred at Park View Cemetery in New Plymouth where graveside services will be held on Saturday, October 29, 2016 at 2 p.m. Graveside services are under the direction of Shaffer-Jensen Memory Chapel, Payette. Condolences may be made to Karen's family at www.shaffer-jensenchapel.com. Service Details. Service When: Saturday, October 29th, 2016 Location: Funeral Home Address: