Karen Ann Stanbridge passed away peacefully at Sheridan Memorial Hospital following a short illness, surrounded by her family on August 23, 2024.  Born in Sheridan,WY on January 21, 1944 to Wilbert and Etta Wehr.  Karen graduated from Sheridan High School in 1963 and completed cosmetology school that same year.  She married Harold Stanbridge in the summer of 1964.  Following the birth of their first child, Mathew James(Jim) in 1965, the family moved to Bozeman, MT where her husband completed his Engineering degree and they welcomed their second son, Paul.  While in Bozeman and prior to the birth of their second child, Karen worked as a beautician.  Her exceptional talent and friendly nature made her one of the most popular Beauticians in the city.

Karen became a Navy wife in 1969.  During her husband’s two and a half years of training to become a Naval Aviator the family moved often, living in Pensacola, FL, Meridian, MS, and Beeville, TX.  Throughout these moves and relatively short stays Karen, not only gave birth to their third child, Crista but always managed to provide a loving and stable home for the family.  Following completion of her husbands training the family moved back to Meridian, MS for their first duty station.  Two years later they were transferred to, what became their permanent home, in Virginia Beach, VA.

Throughout their time in the Navy, although busy raising her children, Karen was very active in the wives clubs of her husband’s various Squadrons.  His Navy tours also enabled her to satisfy her love for travel.  Several times during her husband’s extended deployments to the Mediterranean Sea she joined him in Europe during leave periods.  She and Harold divorced but remained friends.  Karen never remarried.

Particularly fond of the ocean, Karen collected many beautiful sea shells and her flare for decorating and updating her home decor was well known.  She thoroughly enjoyed all kinds of crafts and in addition to her family, dearly loved her animals, Alfie, Bubba, Anjin, Goldie and Jinks.  At her request their cremains will be buried with her.  She recently moved back to Sheridan after a 6 year stay in North Carolina, missing our gorgeous Big Horn Mountains.

Karen is survived by her sons, Jim(Amy), Paul(Brenda) and daughter Crista. Nieces Vickie(Charlie) Jorgenson, Janice(John) Kane and nephew Rick(Debbie) Oatts. grandchildren Megan, Tyler, Taylor, Claire, Gwen and Blake.  Her former in-laws remained supportive and close to her, Bill(Donna) Stanbridge, Frances Kelly, Margaret(Dennis)Thrams and Carol(Jr) Chase.  She was preceded in death by her parents, sister, Wiberta Oatts and brother-in-law, Phil Oatts.  She will be buried next to her parents and sister.

Private graveside services will be held at Sheridan Municipal Cemetery on September 14, 2024.  A Celebration of Life Luncheon for Karen will follow, being held at the Rib and Chop Restaurant From 12:30 until 3pm.

Kane Funeral Home has been entrusted with local arrangements.

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