Karen Elaine Yost

Karen Elaine Yost

April 22, 2024

Karen Elaine Ayers Yost was born on September 11, 1943, in Clarksburg, West Virginia to Elizabeth Jane Smith and Richard Ayers. She passed away on April 22, 2024, at the age of 80, with her loving family by her side.

Karen was an only child. She is survived by her son David Yost and wife, Andrea of Albuquerque, NM; her daughter Laura Calkins and husband, Ryan of Corrales, NM; her daughter Vicki Yost and wife Nicky Barrett of Commerce Township, MI; her grandchildren Hayden Yost, Brenden Yost, Garrett Calkins, Taylor Calkins, and Kayla Calkins; cousins and friends.

Karen was a resident of Albuquerque, New Mexico since 1999. Prior to her arrival in New Mexico, she lived in Michigan, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Florida, and West Virginia. She graduated from Boca Ciega High School in Gulfport, FL, the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and the University of Cincinnati with a Master's in Educational Psychology. Karen dedicated 46 years of her life to working tirelessly and selflessly to help patients. She worked as an operating room nurse and nursing administrator throughout the country and retired from Presbyterian Hospital in 2011.

When not working, Karen spent time with family, friends, and her dogs. She passionately loved animals and dedicated time in retirement to volunteering at Animal Humane of New Mexico. She loved to travel with her children and grandchildren and especially loved trips that involved any form of water. Karen also enjoyed flower arranging, Wii games, playing bridge, and singing. She had a beautiful voice and sang in many choirs throughout her life.

A celebration of Karen's life will be held on Saturday, July 27th at 11:00 AM at the French's Funeral Reception at 9300 Golf Course Road NW. The family will share their treasured memories of their mother and grandmother. They welcome all who would like to join them in remembering and celebrating Karen. Following the celebration of life, the family invites everyone to visit and share their favorite memories and stories of Karen at a reception.

The family invites all who knew and loved Karen to join them in praying for and remembering their beloved mother and grandmother.

In lieu of flowers or other gifts, memorial contributions may be made to Animal Humane of New Mexico at 615 Virginia St SE Albuquerque, NM 87108 or at animalhumanenm.givecloud.co or the University of Florida College of Nursing Fay and Ernest Jernigan Scholarship for Nursing Excellence at uff.ufl.edu