Karen Louise Frerichs Elkington

May 2, 1935 — June 20, 2022

Karen Louise Frerichs Elkington died on June 20th, 2022, with family by her side.

She was born on May 2, 1935, at Presbyterian Hospital in San Fransisco California to Herman and Esther Del (Sandall) Frerichs. She attended school in Mill Valley California and was the salutatorian at Tamalpais High School. Karen then went to the University of California Berkeley graduating with a General Curriculum degree and was elected to hold positions in several Honor and Academic Societies.

In 1957 Karen met the love of her life, Walter Elkington. In 1960 they were married and in 1964 began to build a family with children Linda, John, and Kristin.

The family settled in Albany Oregon in 1968. Karen became an elected member of her children’s school board, was a Sunday school and substitute teacher, and a Campfire Leader. She loved to be with children.

Karen and Walter moved to Ogden Utah in 1986. She was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church, a member and past president of PEO chapter P, worked on Expanding your Horizons, taught at the Cares program, participated in the Ogden Opera Guild, and served as the President of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) for both the states of Oregon and Utah. As a couple, Karen and Walter enjoyed playing Bridge, traveling, and cheering on their Cal Golden Bears. She was an exceptionally gifted seamstress and won awards for her needlework at the Oregon State Fair.

Most of all, Karen loved her family and friends with whom she shared in all these activities. She was always fun, on the go, full of life and love. She has touched so many and will be truly missed.

Karen is survived by her husband of 62 years, her children Linda Louise Elkington Huotari, John Eugene Elkington, and Kristin Maria Elkington all of Oregon, sisters Kristin Frerichs Fortune of WY, and Phyllis Frerichs Black of WA, five grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held on June 25th at 11:00 a.m. at the Ogden First Presbyterian Church. Donations in her memory may be made to the church in lieu of flowers.

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.leavittsmortuary.com.