Karen Lea Nelson, 66, Lead, died Monday, May 7, 2007, at the Rapid City Regional Hospital.

Karen was born Nov. 20, 1940, at Deadwood, to John and Phyllis (Owens) Carter. She married Arthur Nelson in Deadwood, on June 20, 1959. Since Art's career was in the military, they traveled to many different parts of the world. They lived in Spain, Scotland, Virginia, Florida, Washington, District of Columbia, and many years in California. In 1975, Art retired and they stayed in California for several years and they moved to Lead, in 1993.

Karen loved to garden, quilt, bake, needlepoint, read, and do crossword puzzles. She was a huge animal lover.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 10, 2007, at 10 a.m. at the Lead Presbyterian Church, with Pastor Steve Agan officiating. Burial will follow at the Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.

Survivors include her husband,her son and his spouse,her daughter, her brother and sister, two grandchildren and special friend.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and infant sister, Patricia.

A memorial has been established to the Deadwood AA.