Waitsburg Loses 'Unsung Hero'

WAITSBURG – Waitsburg is mourning the loss of Karen (Huwe) Mohney, who died Sunday night, March 15, at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. Mohney was transported to Harborview after experiencing a massive stroke in Heppner, Ore. the evening prior. Mohney, appropriately referred to as an "unsung hero" by fellow community members, had a true servant's heart and worked tirelessly for the community she so deeply cared for. "Karen's passing is a great loss, not just to those of us that loved her but to the entire community of Waitsburg.  Her willingness to get involved, support and lead has had a large impact on what makes Waitsburg 'One of a Kind,'" said close friend and fellow volunteer Wendy Richards.

Mohney was born in Walla Walla in 1961 and graduated Waitsburg High School in 1980. Throughout her life, she was an active, vital part of the community. Mohney purchased Blue Crystal Screen Printing in 2010 and moved the business from Willard Street to downtown Waitsburg, which made it even easier for her to share her ready smile, hearty laugh, assistance and advice. Elizabeth Cole trained Mohney to take over the business and said she watched as Mohney ministered to everyone around her. "I think she was a lot of people's angel," said Cole.

Not one to strive for the limelight, Mohney worked quietly and unflaggingly for the community, individuals and passions she loved. She was always ready to put her organizational skills to use, whether organizing sheepdog trials or community events. Mohney was strongly passionate about honoring veterans and was an active member of the American Legion Auxiliary. A small sampling of Mohney's past and present community involvements include the Days of Real Sport, Celebration Days, the Town Hall Committee, Alcoholics Anonymous, Rainbow Girls and 4-H. And that list doesn't begin to touch on the individual lives she impacted.

Mohney had a special place in her heart for youth and spent years leading 4-H, giving riding lessons and working with Waitsburg's Rainbow Girls. Mohney was the current Rainbow Mother Advisor, and her Facebook page is filled with posts from the girls whose lives she has touched over the years. "You were like a mother to me, always loving. You were like a friend to me, always laughing. You were more than an advisor to me; you were like family," wrote Rainbow Girl Jessie Lynn Hopkins.

Mohney lived life fully and spent her final hours doing what she loved: working dogs at the Wee Bit O'Ireland Celebration Sheepdog Trials that she had organized in Heppner, Ore. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. at the Waitsburg Christian Church (604 Main St.) on Saturday, March 21.