Karen Diane Dick was born January 28, 1947, in Turlock, CA to Elvin and Katherine Santos. She passed away peacefully in Las Vegas, NV on November 2, 2022. Karen is survived by her sister, Kathleen Santos of Turlock, daughter Jennifer Kokochak of Henderson, NV, sons Jim Dick, Jr of Turlock and Elvin Dick (Amanda) of Las Vegas, NV, grandchildren Liam, Troy and Reyn, and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
Karen is preceded in death by her husband, Jim Dick, parents Elvin and Katie Santos, sister JoAnn Alvernaz, brother-in-law Manuel Alvernaz and nephew Mike Alvernaz.
Karen attended Mountain View-Chatom then graduated from Turlock High School. She was very active in 4-H during her childhood and young adult life where she developed a love of cooking and sewing while excelling in her dairy project. Karen won numerous dairy shows including showmanship at the county and state fairs. Karen also earned the honors of both the Stanislaus County Dairy Princess and the California State Holstein Princess.
She attended Modesto Junior College and was a member of the Beta Sigma Phi sorority. Karen then moved to the Bay Area to work as electrologist at the Emporium-Capwell before opening her own office in Modesto.
In 1973 Karen and Jim married and she moved to Fort Hood then Germany before returning to Turlock to raise their family. Her kids were her passion, and she could always be found at their athletic and 4-H events cheering them on or volunteering in the snack bars or preparing food for camps.
In her later years Karen continued to follow her culinary passion while volunteering to cook and serve at the Modesto V.F.W. or any event that needed assistance. She also loved making baby blankets and holiday items for friends and family.
Karen was a kind soul with a very generous heart that will be greatly missed.
A memorial service will be held at Allen Mortuary in Turlock on Monday, December 19, 2022, from 1:00-2:00pm. A reception will follow at the Mt. View Grange Hall on Crows Landing Rd.
In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations be made in Karen’s honor to Letters to Santa, 1614 Liberty Court, Turlock, CA 95382, the Modesto V.F.W. Post 3199, 2801 Hatch Rd, Modesto, CA 95358 or a charity of your choice.
