Karen Thomas passed away Thursday, July 1, 2010 at Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane.

Karen was born September 16, 1961 to Rose and Richard Knox in Summit, New Jersey. Karen grew up in Cranford, New Jersey, graduating from Oak Knoll High School in 1980.

Upon graduating from high school Karen moved west and made Idaho her home. She attended the University of Idaho graduating with a degree in Accounting. Upon graduation from college she moved back to New Jersey and worked with her father at his firm Knox Accounting Services for five years. Karen came back to the Troy/Deary area and worked in the Moscow area as an accountant and eventually opened her own successful accounting business in Moscow.

The biggest love in Karen’s life was her daughter, Hannah Larkin Thomas born June 1, 1996. She found no greater joy than making the best life possible for Hannah, which included annual summer trips to the shore house in Seaside Park, New Jersey.

Karen is survived by her daughter Hannah; her parents Rose and Richard of Palm City, Florida; her brother’s Rick (Frieda) Knox of Louisville, Kentucky, Ray Knox of Stuart, Florida; her sister Carol (Wayne) Olesen of Troy, Idaho; Nephews and nieces, Tj and Sara Heiniger of Troy, Idaho, Mike and Erin Knox with sons Christopher, Dillon and William of Louisville Ky., Kate Knox of Missoula, Mt., as well as many close friends.

A special recognition is given to Lee Gilkeson , who provide great support not only to Karen, but also to Ray and her parents in Florida during her illness.

A memorial celebration of life will be held at Shorts Funeral Chapel in Moscow, Idaho Thursday, July 8, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. A potluck reception will follow the memorial at the Troy Lions Hall in Troy, Idaho.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in the name of Karen Knox Thomas to the American Cancer Society-Relay for life or Caring Bridge at Caringbridge.com/karenthomas1, and or organization of your choice that supports the research for the cure to cancer or an organization of your choice.

Online condolences may be left at www.shortsfuneralchapel.net.