Karen Dawn Killpack Roper

Karen Dawn Killpack Roper, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, teacher, and friend passed away peacefully on June 6, 2025 in Delta, Utah. She was 78 years old.

She was born February 14, 1947 in Delta, Utah to Ward and Dorothy Bird Killpack. A true Valentine’s baby with a big heart and enough love for everyone she knew.

She married Dale Roper on June 12, 1970 in the St. George Utah Temple. They made their home in Delta where they settled roots and raised their family.

Karen attended school in Delta and graduated from Delta High School (Class of 1965) then graduated from Utah State University with her Bachelor degree in Math in 1970. Education was important to her and she showed that by continuing her education and earning her Master degree all while raising 6 children and working full time. Karen started her teaching career in 1970. After teaching at Millard High School for a few years, she returned to her beloved Delta High where she continued to teach for 41 years. Her passion was her students and doing whatever she could to help them succeed both in class and in life. It is hard to measure the impact she had on her former students. Many former students would stop by her house for help when they didn’t understand their math problems in college. Her kitchen table was always open when someone needed her help.

Karen loved to travel and see new places. She started early with family trips around Utah and then a trip to NYC with her grandparents solidified her love for travel. There were several girls’ trips that brought adventures and love to all. She continued these outings with her kids and her grandkids who each have great memories of the adventures they had together.

When she wasn’t in the classroom, Karen could be found outside working in her yard, spending time in her favorite place at Fish Lake, or somewhere on a hike. She loved being outdoors and there were many of us who envied her summer tan. Karen always loved to have her family with her.

Karen was best known for her role as Mom, Aunt, and Grandma. She loved her children but also all the other children in the neighborhood. She was affectionally known as “Grandma Karen” to many.

Karen lived her life as a true disciple of Christ. She was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many callings. Her favorite were always the nursery and primary callings where she could teach the children. Karen was known for her kindness, her loyalty to those around her, and her willingness to help during times of need.

She is survived by her husband, children Kris (Steve) Albrecht, Rick (Chantel) Roper, Shelley (Damon) Cottam, Ryan Roper, Mike (Terice) Roper, and Katie Roper. She will be dearly missed by her 23 grandchildren and one great grandson. She is also survived by sister Ann (Paul) Tinker, brothers Ray (Connie) Killpack, Rob Killpack, and Roger (Bobbie) Killpack and many nieces and nephews.

Karen is preceded in death by her son, Gerald Scott, her parents Ward and Dorothy Killpack and a brother, Richard.

Graveside services will be held on June 13, 2025 at the Delta Cemetery at 11 am.

Family would like to thank those who helped care for Karen in her later years. A special thank you to Dr Steve Shamo, Dr Spencer Nielson, and Wendy Stevens and all the staff at Millard Care and Rehab for treating Karen with love and care.