Karen L. Lutz

Karen's family has established a central memorial site and online guestbook for family and friends. Please visit https://www.forevermissed.com/karen-stonehocker-lutz to leave a story for the family.

Karen Lee Stonehocker Lutz was born January 10, 1939 and passed away on February 12, 2026, following complications from a third recurrence of Hodgkin lymphoma, which she had bravely faced twice before. She died in peace in her room at the Senior Living facility in Ellensburg, WA. She was 87 years old.

Karen was born in Sioux City, Iowa, to Richard and Dorothy Stonehocker (both deceased). During her childhood, she moved several times with her family, primarily between Montana and Washington State. She graduated from Lincoln High School in Seattle and later earned her Bachelor’s degree from Whitworth College in Spokane, Washington (the first and only of her siblings).

Some of Karen’s most endearing and respected qualities were her commitment to peace and social justice and her deep devotion to church fellowship. She was widely admired as a strong community leader and a cherished colleague and friend. Karen retired from her role as office administrator for the Psychology Department at Seattle University, where she worked for nearly two decades. She described it as “my best job ever” and a place where she could “be myself.” She developed strong, lasting ties with students and faculty—many of whom became lifelong friends. Upon her retirement, she was honored with the Lee Thurber Award as Outstanding Staff Member of the Year, receiving it the second year of the award’s existence.

Before her years at Seattle University, Karen held office admin positions in medical and legal offices. She also volunteered her time through church organizations and libraries. She was an avid reader and knitter, and even prepared two baby blankets for her future great-grandchildren.

Throughout her life, Karen lived in several cities across the United States: Houtzdale, Pennsylvania; Osawatomie, Kansas; St. Joseph, Missouri; and the greater Seattle area, including Renton, Seattle and Issaquah, Washington. She moved to Ellensburg about 6 years ago to be closer to family.

Those who knew Karen remember her as stubborn, generous, funny, caring, outgoing, and deeply principled. She loved church and community fellowship, volunteering, travel, reading, and knitting.

Karen is survived by her two sons Peter Lutz (wife Stephanie “Fanny” Lefebvre) and Derek Lutz; grandchildren Jacob Majberger Lutz, Jonathan Majberger Lutz, Aaron Majberger Lutz, Oliver Lutz, and Josh Watkins; stepchildren Lyric Apted and David Balsley (and family); her former daughter-in-law and close family friend Ingrid Lutz; and siblings Marilyn Steiner and Jim Stonehocker (wife Sandy), along with many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her first husband, Richard “Dick” Lutz (2001); her second husband, Robert “Bob” Balsley (2014); her brother Craig Stonehocker; and her parents.

You are invited to celebrate Karen’s amazing life on Saturday, March 7, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Seattle University, Oberto Commons, Sinegal Center for Science and Innovation (SINE) Second Floor, Room 200, 901 12th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to one of the following organizations (all to which she has donated):

• KVH Hospice, 1506 Radio Road, Ellensburg, WA 98926
• American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
• Democracy Now
• Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
• Kittitas Valley Unitarian Universalist Congregation
• Unitarian Universalist Association
• Fellowship of Reconciliation (FOR)
• CARE USA
• National Public Radio (NPR)
• Vietnam Veterans Against the War (VVAW)
• Re-Member (Pine Ridge)
• Planned Parenthood
• The Ocean Cleanup
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
• Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA)
• Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) / KCTS 9
• Amnesty International
• An organization of your choice that champions social justice
• 
  

Arrangements have been entrusted to Johnston & Williams of Ellensburg. Online