Cover photo for Karen A. Gano's Obituary
Karen A. Gano Profile Photo
1957 Karen 2025

Karen A. Gano

October 20, 1957 — June 25, 2025

Ellensburg, Washington

Karen Anne Gano, 67, passed away on Wednesday, June 25, 2025 at her Ellensburg home. Her memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, July 18, 2025 in the Evenson Memorial Chapel at Johnston & Williams in Ellensburg.

Karen was born on October 20, 1957 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada to William & Eileen (Prohaska) Sayles. She spent her early years in Canada before her family moved to the United States, first to Portland and later Newberg, Oregon where she would spend most of her youth, graduating from Newberg High School in 1975.

Following high school, Karen spent a year at Oregon State University in Corvallis before transferring to Chemeketa Community College in Salem where she earned her associates degree in nursing. Karen worked her entire career as a Registered Nurse, specializing in family birthing/OBGYN positions. After daughter Emily was born, Karen retired from nursing and dedicated herself to being a full time mother and homemaker.

Karen first met Ken Gano when they were in the seventh grade, but it wouldn’t be until their 10 year class reunion in 1985 that they would reconnect and begin dating. They married on June 13, 1987. Shortly after their marriage, Karen and Ken moved to Richmond, Virginia where Ken was attending graduate school. They later returned to the Pacific Northwest, living in Renton, Tillamook, Grants Pass, and made Ellensburg their permanent home in 2003.

Karen loved many things - music, reading and watching shows on her Kindle - but perhaps her greatest joy was her grandkids! She absolutely loved spending time with them and making so many precious memories. She loved attending live music concerts - Aerosmith, The Rolling Stones, Eagles and Led Zepplin – if it was a classic rock band that was playing live, you’d find Karen there. She and Ken also took many cruises over the years - Alaska, the Caribbean and New England. It was truly one of their favorite things to do together.

Karen is survived by her husband Ken, daughter Emily (Dustin) and grandkids Enzo, Axton and Nova. She was preceded in death by her parents and her mother-in-law, Rosalie Gano, with whom she had a very special relationship.

Memorial contributions in Karen’s honor are suggested to the Aspen Victim Advocacy Services, 220 W 4th Ave, Ellensburg WA 98926.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Johnston & Williams of Ellensburg. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.johnston-williams.com

To send flowers to the family in memory of Karen A. Gano, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Upcoming Services

Memorial Service

Friday, July 18, 2025

Starts at 2:00 pm (Pacific time)

Evenson Memorial Chapel at Johnston & Williams

301 E Third Avenue, Ellensburg, WA 98926

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