Karen Thayer

Karen Thayer, age 82, of Hampton, passed away Sunday, March 16, 2025, at her home.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, March 21st at Pleasant View Bible Church in Aurora. Rev. Bob Gannon will officiate. Interment will be in the Aurora Cemetery. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Thursday at Pleasant View Bible Church.  Memorials may be made in care of family to be designated at a later date. Higby-McQuiston Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family through the mortuary website at www.higbymortuary.com.
Karen Nadine Thayer, the daughter of Floyd Elmer and Eva Mae (Elliott) Bartley was born in Red Cloud, Nebr., on Sept. 30, 1942 and passed away in her home surrounded by her family in Hampton, Nebr., on March 16, 2025 at the age of 82.
She grew up and attended Red Cloud High School. 
On Sept. 10, 1965 she was united in marriage to Jimmy D. Thayer of Ruskin, Nebr., at the Hastings Courthouse. They had three children: Kevin Thayer of Aurora, Stephanie Holloway of Phillips and Steven Thayer of Kearney. They resided in Hastings for three years before moving to Grand Island. They lived in several locations with Jim’s postal job and federal meat inspector job.  During those times Karen worked at Lippencott, Lutheran Brotherhood Insurance, Subway, Jim’s Foods and other various jobs.
Karen was a member of Faith Community Church in Aurora, where she was loved by everyone. She loved to play Bingo, 31, Fast Track, Dog House and any other game that she could get someone to play with her.  Karen loved to travel with her family and close friends to play the slot machines.   She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers; a sister; four sisters-in-law; two brothers-in-law and a grandson.
Those left to cherish her memory are her husband of 59 years, Jim Thayer of Hampton; three children, Kevin James Thayer (Athello Hanson) of Aurora, Stephanie Jean (Stacey) Holloway of Phillips and Steven (Marie) Wayne Thayer of Kearney; 12 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren and other family members and friends.