Karen Ann Wheelwright

Karen Ann Wheelwright, 74, passed away on March 25, 2025, at Sacred Heart Hospital, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on July 14, 1950, in Boise, Idaho, Karen was the third of five children and the first daughter of Roland and Maida Bates.  She spent her childhood in Boise, where she developed a love for swimming, ice skating, and horseback riding.  During those early years, she formed a lifelong bond with her childhood neighbor and best friend, Nancy.

A graduate of Borah High School, Class of 1968, Karen discovered her passion for the arts. She was a talented sketch artist, photographer, and especially gifted in watercolor painting, capturing the beauty of landscapes with detail.  After high school, she worked alongside her father, learning data entry and accounting skills that helped shape her professional career.  She later joined Boise Cascade World Headquarters.

Karen met and married Marc Wheelwright shortly after graduating.  They moved to Spokane, Washington, to work at the World’s Fair Expo ’74 and chose to make Spokane their permanent home.  She briefly worked at Deaconess Hospital before she and Marc welcomed their son, Matthew, whom they lovingly raised.

Karen furthered her education at Kinman Business University, where she earned a professional accounting diploma.  She went on to work at The Spokesman-Review as a bookkeeper and accountant, where she remained for 29 years until her retirement.

A member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Karen was involved in supporting church activities.  In her later years, she and her family were especially grateful for the kindness and support of the 1st Ward community as her health declined.

She cherished time spent in the mountains and lakes of the northwest and had a love of the outdoors.  She enjoyed camping, kayaking, cycling, and especially huckleberry picking deep in the woods surrounding Priest Lake, Idaho.  She supported her son’s passion for mountaineering and found joy in watching him pursue outdoor adventures of his own.  A creative hobbyist, Karen shared her love of art and photography throughout her life and passed that creativity on to her son and grandchildren.

Karen will be remembered for her kind heart, generous spirit, and support for those around her.  She touched the lives of many friends, family, and colleagues alike.  Her son and grandchildren were the light of her life.

She is survived by her son, Matt (Charissa) Wheelwright; her beloved grandchildren, Olivia and Henry; her siblings Marolee (Kent) Morris, Randy (Marva) Bates, and Brent (Katie) Bates; and many cherished nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her brother, Gregory (Buff) Bates.

Karen’s creativity, compassion, and love of the outdoors will be remembered by all who had the joy of knowing her.  To celebrate her life, enjoy quality time with your family and friends you love in the great outdoors.