Karen Joyce Hines, 77 of Ridgecrest, CA passed away peacefully on Tuesday July 28th 2026. She was born on Sept 16th 1948 in Quincy, IL to Frederick Otis and Fern Lorien DeJaynes.

She was a wonderful daughter, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend.

Karen went to Trona elementary and Trona high school. She worked at Ridgecrest Regional Hospital starting out as a nurses aide, later challenging the nursing board to receive her LVN license. She did nursing in each department of the hospital for many years and truly enjoyed helping others. Towards the end of her nursing career she worked in the outpatient pavilion for several years as an outpatient surgery coordinator, finally retiring in 2010.

Karen was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She was married to Gary for 43 years and had three children; Marcie, Jerry and Sonja. She also helped to raise her two granddaughters Bridgette and Brianna.

Karen had an eye for detail and enjoyed making crafts. She crocheted many blankets, and baby clothes, designed & sewed costumes for many ballet recitals, and she enjoyed woodworking, making many beautiful pieces with her skill saws. When Karen had an idea to create something, no matter the project, she did well and excelled at everything. She loved to paint, go camping, go on road trips, go to the movies and play cards. She was quite fond of western and Native American art and culture. She donated to both Native American children and wildlife organizations for many years. Karen had a passion and heart of gold for animals and nature. She will always be remembered for her unfiltered honesty, her laughter, kindness and generosity. Aside from all the pain and loss she endured, her faith and prayers could move mountains. Karen never met a stranger and she always wished everyone to have a blessed day.

Karen is survived by her children Sonja & Richard Alba, Christopher & Norma Winfield, and Elena Talimalie-Woods. Grandchildren; Bridgette & Brandon Hams, Brianna & Skyler Starr, Zach & Lily Winfield, Jojo Sorenson, Naomi, Babie, Ma’aka, & I’landgirl Sat. Great grandchildren; Thomas, Christopher, Summer & Sabrina Hams, Ava’leena Inscore, Cory, Louis & Gwynneth Sorenson, Kashlynn and Asher Starr. She is also survived by her sweet little beloved companion french bulldog, Saskia “Sassy” Winter Snow.

Karen was preceded in death by her husband Gary Hines, her children; Marcie Renee Winfield, & Jerry Dale Woods II, and granddaughter Aryana Elizabeth Rain Alba.

A visitation is scheduled on Thursday 8/27 from 4:00pm to 6:00pm at Holland and Lyons Mortuary. A graveside service will be held on August 28th 2026 at 10am at Desert Memorial Park in Ridgecrest, CA