Karen Marie Price

Karen Marie Price, 66, of Penn Valley, CA, passed away peacefully in her home on June 11, 2024. She was born on November 21, 1957, in La Mesa, CA to David and Mary Ann Price. The middle of 5 children, Karen was raised on Mount Helix in San Diego. Her favorite pastimes growing up were playing cello in the youth orchestras, baking, sewing her own clothes and spending time with her siblings and cousins. A graduate of Grossmont High School and Point Loma College, Karen Price's kindness, creativity, and musical talents touched many lives throughout her 66 years. Karen was a dedicated homemaker and raised three children in Yuba City, CA. She spent much of her time helping at her kids’ schools, organizing church functions, playing music, supporting mission trips, and volunteering at various nonprofits. Many knew her well for her creative and delicious cooking and baking. In her free time, Karen loved to be outdoors and enjoyed various hobbies including swimming, kayaking, tennis, gardening, bike riding, skiing, walking, and playing the cello. She got her first cello over 50 years ago and played the same one throughout her life. She could often be found gardening or working on her next project to make her yard even more beautiful. She lived in several different homes and they all had impressive landscapes thanks to her creative ideas, hard work and green thumb. Karen moved to Lake Wildwood in 2005 and began teaching music. She was a gifted teacher who gave piano, violin, and cello lessons to dozens of students, including some of her own grandchildren! In addition to teaching, she enjoyed blessing others by playing the cello at church, weddings, family gatherings, and other events. Karen would regularly host family and friends at her beautiful home in Lake Wildwood, with incredible views of the lake. She was happiest when she shared a meal and good times with those she loved. And of course no meal was complete without dessert at the end to satisfy her sweet tooth. Karen had a contagious laugh and could often be found smiling from ear to ear. There was no stopping her when she would laugh uncontrollably with her siblings, kids, grandkids or friends. Karen’s pride and joy were her 8 beautiful grandchildren. They were the light of her life and she enjoyed every moment she could spend with them. Her generosity was expressed in the many family trips she would plan; some of which recently included Mammoth, Catalina Island, San Diego, Palm Springs, Lake Shasta, and Lake Tahoe. Her parents had a vacation home in Lake Tahoe for several decades, so it was a very special place for her. Karen found solace and community at Bethel Church in Grass Valley where she attended and played cello on the worship team. She loved God and had a servant’s heart. She spent much of her life giving her time, talents, and treasures to those around and her kindness, thoughtfulness and generosity will be missed by all. Karen leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion and is survived by her children Andrew (Whitney) Christensen, Amber (Zach) Milner, and Kevin (Alyc) Christensen, grandchildren Elka, Liv, Brielle, Crew, Kael, Camille, Pierce, and Tatum, mother Mary Ann Price, sister Debbie Wilde, brother Ken (Barbara) Price, sister-in-law Michelle Price, many cousins, nieces and nephews, as well as her beloved dog Topaz. She is preceded in death by her father, David Price and brothers David Lauren Price and Ron Price. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made on behalf of Karen to Music in the Mountains or Melanoma Research Foundation.

Karen Marie Price

November 21, 1957 - June 11, 2024