Obituary: Karen Sue Kingsley

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our mother and cherished member of our family, Karen Sue Kingsley, at her home in Montague, California on March 31, 2025. She was 73 years old.

Karen was born on November 12, 1951 to James and Shirley Thomson in Topeka, Kansas. Growing up in the Bay Area, Karen Graduated from Clayton Valley High School in Concord in 1969. Karen held various jobs befor settling down with a family. During this time she was able to attend a concert featuring her idol, Elvis Presley, a memory for which she would always cherish.

Karen then moved to the Yreka area, where she would raise her three sons. Many nieces and nephews were to come and affectionately nicknamed her “Aunt Dee”. Aunt Dee’s house became the heart of family gatherings. Karen’s sense of humor was contagious to adults and children alike, and laughter echoed throughout her home.

While raising a family, Karen opened S-K Thrift Store in Montague with her mother Shirley. After her sons had grown, Karen went to work at the Adult Learning Center in Yreka, where she became manager. She enjoyed working with the clients and taking them on outings. A knee injury forced an early retirement, after which she became an independent caregiver part-time. Karen enjoyed collecting treasures of yesteryear and passing items on to family and friends. Her Elvis Collectibles were of course her favorite and most treasured.

Kare is survived by her sons, Adam Kingsley of Chico, Derrick Rubalcava of Montague, and Justin Rubalcava of Montague; granddaughters Michaela Kingsley of Chico and Kyla Rubalcava of Yreka, and stepsons Brian and Auralius Rubalcava. She also is survived by a sister, Patricia Decker of Montague; brothers Mike Thomson of Hornbrook, James Thomson of Oakley, CA, and Randy Corzine of Red Bluff; and countless nieces and nephews and their children who will forever remember their adored “Aunt Dee” with much love.

The special memories of Karen – our mom, our grandmother, our sister and our beloved “Aunt Dee” – and all she has meant to our family over the years will be forever cherished in our hearts. Our tears of today will someday turn into smiles as we fondly remember her memory, a treasure, who is loved beyond words and will be missed beyond measure.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 19, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Girdner Funeral Chapel in Yreka. All those who knew Karen for the sunshine she brought to our lives are invited to attend.

sourced: Girdner Funeral Chapel

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