Karen Ann Williams, 50, Box Elder, went home to Heaven on Friday, August 1, 2008 at the Rapid City Regional Hospice House.A thousand prayers won’t bring you back – we know because we’ve tried.And neither will a million tears – we know because we’ve cried.You left behind our broken hearts – and precious memories too,But we never wanted memories – we only wanted you.If love could have saved you – you would have lived forever.Devoted daughter, mother and friend, your kindness has forever touched many hearts and your warm presence will be remembered often. Karen Ann Williams, beloved daughter of John and Marion Williams was born on Nov. 24, 1957 in St. Paul, MN. Growing up in Marshall, MN, Karen spent much of her time at their family farm and ranch with her horses and various other pets. As a child she was an active member of the 4-H club and won several ribbons in the different events that she and her horses entered. While attending high school, she was honored as being one of Job’s Daughters and was active at the Saint James Episcopal Church in Marshall where she was baptized as an infant. In 1976, she graduated an honor student from Marshall High School and shortly after she enrolled in a community college close to home. The following year Karen moved to Rapid City, SD to enjoy the Black Hills she so deeply cherished. Her love for animals eventually led her to enroll in a veterinarian technician course at Western Dakota Tech in Rapid City. Three years later and a semester away from graduation she was preparing for a new life role. In 1987, Karen gave birth to a baby girl that she named Whitney Lynn. Karen loved motherhood more than anything and devoted the rest of her 21 years to loving and caring for Whitney. As Whitney grew she remained the center of her mother’s world. Karen was Whitney’s Girl Scout troop leader for several years and always the first parent to volunteer for class field trips. The two of them enjoyed watching sunsets and driving the back roads of Box Elder searching for stranded turtles. In 1990, Karen entered into a marriage of thirteen years to Arnold Johnston. Around that time she became a day waitress at the Pizza Hut in Box Elder, where she would continue to work until early 2008. Karen Williams took great pride in her job, caring for each customer attentively. She was also an active member of the community, staying up to date on local news and events. She volunteered her time at the senior center in New Underwood. She was known for her appreciation for life and willingness to help others while expecting nothing in return. In 2006 she became ill from oral cancer. Her health slowly diminished, but her faith and spirit did not. Karen spent much of her illness in her home being loved by and cared for by her daughter Whitney. Her kindness will be remembered, as will the sparkle of her eyes. Mom- You will always live on in my heart and the hearts of all who knew and loved you. Karen leaves behind to miss her, her daughter, Whitney L. Williams, Box Elder; her parents, John and Marion Williams, Sun City West, AZ; brother John A. Williams, AZ; aunt Ruth Williams, Colorado Springs, CO; cousins, Janet and Joan Williams, Colorado Springs, CO; Susan Toth, Montana; nephew Ben J. Williams, Sioux Falls, SD; stepson Chris Cox, Colorado; 2 grandchildren; mother-in-law Janice Johnston, Sturgis; as well as countless friends and beloved critters. A special thank you to the community of Box Elder for their support; for the funds that were raised from the Karing for Karen benefit, also to the Hospice of the Hills staff, to Becky Knapp, and to the staff at the Cancer Center at RCRH. Thank You all for your compassion.