Karen J. Thomason

Karen Jean Thomason (Ebersole,) 59, of Evans passed into the loving arms of her Savior Jesus Christ on Tuesday morning August 2, 2016. She fought a hard and determined battle against a very aggressive uterine cancer, which was diagnosed on April 28, 2016. Karen was born on December 2, 1956 to Lester and Fern Ebersole in Phoenix, AZ. Her family moved to Colorado in 1965, and took up residence in a farmhouse outside of Lafayette. The Ebersole family had a chicken ranch with over 5000 chickens at a time, one of Karen’s chores was to gather eggs twice a day. She graduated from Centaurus High School on June 1, 1974 playing several sports which ignited her passion for them and led her to be voted ‘Most Athletic.’ Moving to Kansas after high school, Karen earned an Associate of Liberal Arts degree. She then went on to earn her Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education from Tabor College. She came back home to Colorado to work for Longmont United Hospital as a medical transcriptionist. Karen was always a beloved co-worker and colleague, so much so that her boss set her up on a blind date with her son, Bob. Little did Karen know that first date would lead to 35 years of marriage. Karen went back to Tabor College to earn her teaching certificate. While engaged she moved to Thermopolis, WY to teach middle school Physical Education, and coach the High School girls volleyball team for the next year. In the summer of 1981 Karen married the love of her life Robert (Bob) Thomason in Lakewood, CO. The newlyweds followed work to Casper, WY where Karen put her speedy fingers to work as a medical transcriptionist for the next 4 years. In 1984 Karen gave birth to their only child; Matthew Robert Thomason, and two years later moved to Greeley, CO where they made their home since. Karen stayed home for the first couple of years to love and nurture their son. When he was old enough to start school, she began to work as a medical transcriptionist for a private practice clinic in Longmont, CO. In 2003 Karen earned her Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Northern Colorado. She taught 3rd and 4th grade at Platte Valley Elementary School in Kersey, CO. She was a favorite teacher among many of her students and her love for them was evident in her devotion to being the best educator and role model she could be. She worked for 2 years as the School Secretary at Union Colony Elementary Charter School in Greeley, CO. Karen started her own business; as an errand runner, and personal assistant called Gopher LLC. She was self-employed until the time of her death. Karen was an active member of Cornerstone Community Church, where her soft clear soprano voice was used for God’s praise in the church choir, and solo pieces. She used her talents on the piano and her voice in the praise band, and would love playing her clarinet for any occasion. She was recently ordained as a deacon within the Church. Karen was full of love and warmth, welcoming new comers as old friends, and developing a strong community with her small group. She loved to hike and sight see in the Rocky Mountains. She also loved sports of all kinds, especially playing tennis and riding her bicycle. Karen is survived by her husband Bob Thomason of Evans, her son Matt Thomason (Giny) of Los Angeles, CA, brothers Greg Ebersole of Mesa, AZ, & Ken Ebersole (Meredith) of Lafayette, CO. Along with her nieces and nephews; Jessica Mitchell, Dylan Ebersole, Katie Ebersole, Ryan Ebersole, & Allison Ebersole. She was preceded in death by her parents Fern and Lester Ebersole. A celebration of Karen’s life will be held at Cornerstone Community Church 1321 9th Ave. Greeley CO on Sunday August 7, at 4pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to "Cornerstone Community Church” for the Grand Piano Fund or "Ovarian Cancer Research Fund” at the following links http://www.ocrf.org/donatenow or http://csgreeley.org/content/foundation *specify Grand Piano fund.