Esther Karnes

Esther R. Karnes (Armijo), 89, of Mooresville, Indiana, passed away peacefully at the home of her daughter, Katherine, on Monday, January 1, 2024. Esther's final resting place will be Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Esther was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico on Saturday, September 1, 1934. After graduating from high school in Clovis, she moved to Albuquerque and met Robert Karnes while working at Sandia Air Force base and attending St. Joseph College.

Esther married Robert on Saturday, June 6, 1953. They were married for 66 years and had eight children. After raising their children, Esther enjoyed a successful career as an accomplished civil servant with the Veteran's Administration, achieving the distinction of Employee of the Year.

Esther had a love for travel and exploring other countries and cultures. To fulfill her wanderlust, she was blessed to have the opportunities to tour Spain, China, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Germany, Jerusalem and Mexico. Her most meaningful travel experience was attending midnight mass on Christmas Eve at the Vatican.

In 2004, Esther retired from civil service to take care of Robert in their home in Albuquerque. During this time, she welcomed her children and grandchildren into their home, making wonderful family memories when they visited the Land of Enchantment throughout the years. Her delicious home-made tortillas were a favorite of all who enjoyed a meal in her comfortable hacienda.

Esther and Robert moved back to Indiana in 2016 to get assistance needed from their children.

Esther will be remembered as a devoted wife and mother who raised her children with patience, gentleness and great care, and encouraged them to embrace the teachings of the Catholic faith as a path to a fulfilling life. Her doting presence as a beloved matriarch in the lives of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren was a blessing and inspiration to all of them.

Esther is survived by her six children: Michael Karnes, Thomas Karnes, (Auta), Monica Stahlhut (Jeff), Mary Markham (Tommy), Angela Hayes, and Katherine Foster (Jeff) and her daughter in law Renee Karnes ; her 18 grandchildren, Frankie, Lawana, Shannon, Lauren, Hannah, Kyle, Chris, Rosendo, Ariana, Sean, Erin, Leslie, Bailey, Isabella, Nick, Justin, Shelby Lynn, and Jett; 16 great-grandchildren, Nathaniel, Josiah, Christine, Isabel, Wyatt, Aiden, Ryan, Walter, Seras, Erika, Ella, Adalynn, Nolan, Jaslynn, Gracie, and Daymon; and her brothers, Rudy Armijo (Mary) and Manuel Armijo (Ann).

Esther is preceded in death by her husband, Robert; father, Manuel; mother, Manuela; and her sisters, Doris and Tercilla; her son, James; and daughter, Barbara.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be given to Disabled Veterans Charities, 13550 E. Ramona Blvd., Baldwin Park, California, 91706.A Visitation followed by a Rosary will b held on Thursday, January 18, 2024, 5:00 p.m. at FRENCH-Lomas A Mass will be held on Friday, January 19, 2024, 10:00 a.m. at The Shrine of St.Bernadette Catholic Church, 11509 Indian School Rd, 87112. She will be laid to rest at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Albuquerque, New Mexico after the mass. Following the burial the family would like to invite friends and family of Esther to join them for a Reception that will be held following the burial at the Shrine of St.Bernadette Catholic Church.

Rosary and Mass will be streamed and available to view below