Karen Dee Precious

Karen Dee Precious was born on March 16, 1964 at Maxwell Airforce Base in Montgomery, Alabama to Tom and Jean (Mattielli) Precious.   She and her two sisters, Debbie and Jody, grew up Air Force brats attending approximately 12 schools in their travels in various states and Germany.  As a result, Karen was very good at meeting new people.  No one was a stranger.  She greeted all with a smile and interest in what others had to say. Despite being born with Spina Bifida and walking on crutches and finally in a wheelchair, Karen grew up doing as much as the other kids around her.   Eventually, her father retired from service and the family moved back to Cle Elum where Karen was 3rd generation Kittitas County resident.

Karen graduated from Cle Elum High School in 1983 and went on to attend Central Washington University for a short time. She worked for as long as she was able.  She had jobs at the family flower shop, Precious Petals, in the office at BLN and as a cashier at the Sunset Café where she greeted everyone.  She was a staple of the Cle Elum/Roslyn community in the 80s and 90s.  Karen was able to experience many things in her life.  She had opportunities to play the neighborhood games with all the kids, snow ski, ATV, snowmobile, horseback ride, ride in a motorcycle sidecar and travel the world with her family.

Eventually, Karen’s disability resulted in her taking up residence at Prestige Care in Ellensburg.   Again, Karen became a staple in her new environment.  Her mother, Jean, called her the goodwill ambassador for the facility. Karen developed many long-lasting friendships with the caring staff and residents.   She watched out for others and cared about what was going on in their lives.   Karen had a spark to her and would speak her mind but to a person, everyone remarks on Karen’s smile and her attitude.

Family and friends cannot recall one time in her life that she complained, “Why me?”   She accepted things, put a smile on and lived her life.   Until the end, she would thank people for helping her.

Karen passed away on July 25, 2022 surrounded by her family, closest friends and the caring staff of Prestige Care.  She was preceded in death by her father, Tom Precious and niece, Bailey Burchak

Karen is survived by her mother, Jean Precious; her two sisters, Debbie Burchak (Doug) and Jody Burchak (Darrin); sister-in-law Selina Daviston (Brian); nieces and nephews Bryce Burchak (Sara), Dawson Burchak (Ciara), Sena Atkins (Justan), Brooklyn Burchak (Ryan Nelson), Brennan Burchak (Rachel), Alaina Maloney (Malaki), Cheyanna Daviston (Eddie) and Crew Nelson; as well as her big extended family of Mattiellis, Gambles, Brumbaughs, Nicholsons, Weavers, Kents, Hoveys and Lunds.

Karen wanted a true celebration of life, Cle Elum style, which will be held from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 1, 2022 at the Cle Elum Eagles.  The event will be a potluck dinner and music by the Leftovers (formerly The Willies). Please, come join us in celebrating Karen.

Johnston & Williams Funeral Home and Crematory of Cle Elum has been entrusted with caring for Karen and her family.  Online condolences may be left at www.johnston-williams.com