Salina, Utah - Karen Elaine (Olson) Gough was born June 1, 1952 to Leslie Olson and Jessie Nelson in Camp Atterbury, Indiana. She died peacefully at home the morning of April 11, 2026 holding her sweetheart's hand in Salina, Utah. 

She married Bill Gough February 14, 1977. They were blessed with 6 wonderful children who brought joy, chaos, and love into their lives. As they moved around Idaho, Northern Utah, and Las Vegas, Karen was known for her green thumb and her kindness. She loved to garden at any home they lived in. Usually growing some sort of herb garden along with her favorite cherry tomatoes and cucumbers. 

One of her favorite jobs was when she was arranging flowers for the Venetian hotel on the Las Vegas strip. This meant their house was usually full of roses in various stages of arrangement. She often took her kids with her at 4am to replace flowers throughout the restaurant and other locations of the hotel.

Karen loved to work with wood, creating beautiful masterpieces that she poured her heart into. She also loved the ocean. Not loving getting in, but watching and listening to the waves. Karen looked for peace in nature. She found beauty in the simple and serenity in the everyday. 

Karen is preceded in death by her parents, her brother Duane, and her sweet baby Aaron. 

She is survived by her husband, Bill, her children Mike Gough (Amber), Scott Gough (Nicole), Jenell Gough, Nicholas Gough (Alyx), Katelyn Mickelsen (Josh), and Taylor McMullin (Travis), and her 12 grandchildren: Tyler, Addison, William, Cristian, Quentin, Reagan, Chloe, Lochlan, Nathan, Conall, Leo, and Zeelyn. She is also survived by her brothers Wes and Michael, and her sisters Katherine and Lisa. 

She was deeply loved by all those who knew her. She is most noted for her kindness and interest in all those around her and that kindness is remembered throughout the years. She is missed, but she had a deep faith in her reunion with her family in Heaven.

Friends and family are invited to join in a celebration of life in Salina, UT. More details to come.