Karen Irene (Paisley) Haws, 69, passed away early Monday morning, February 25, 2019, at her home in Kuna, Idaho, after a valiant battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her many children and grandchildren in her final, difficult days. Karen was born on May 2, 1949, in Coeur d'Alene Idaho, daughter of Tena (Vredevelt) Paisley and Oscar Calvin Paisley. She was an honor student through graduation from Coeur d'Alene High School in 1967, where she was also a standout athlete in track and softball. After one year of study at Brigham Young University, she left Provo to visit family in Norman, Oklahoma, where she met Marc Haws. They were married on June 1, 1968 in the Arizona Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They completed graduate studies at the University of Oklahoma, and had their first three children in Oklahoma. Then they moved back to the Coeur d'Alene area, where their last three children were born. While raising young children, Karen continued to play competitive fast-pitch softball, as a pitcher and infielder. One of her teams won the Idaho state championship and went to nationals. When the family moved to Boise, and their last child was in grade school, Karen enrolled again in college to finish her nursing degree at Boise State University. She had a full and very successful career as an oncology specialist at St. Alphonsus Hospital, in Boise. After retiring from St. Als, she worked in long-term care, and home health care for many years. Her patients lauded her realistic care, her positive attitude and her good humor. Family, church, and baseball were Karen's passion. As her five sons grew from Little League through American Legion and college baseball, Karen became a standout umpire. She served as umpire-in-chief for Meridian Little League and for Meridian Babe Ruth Baseball. She was the only female umpire certified to officiate baseball at the varsity and American Legion levels. Umpires may grow old, but you can't call them OUT, ... ! meaning that she even officiated her granddaughters' softball games. Though Karen and Marc were divorced after 49 years of marriage, they grew into better friends, and were always strong partners for the kids and grandkids. She is also survived by five of her six children: David Haws (and Kellie) of Boise / Meridian area; Monica (Haws) Brutsman of Nampa; Josh Haws (and Maritza) of Meridian / Kuna area; Gabe Haws (and Kim) of Kuna; and Luke Haws (and Bryn) of Idaho Falls. One son, Zach Haws, predeceased her in 2015, leaving daughter-in-law Anneliese and two children, of the Kuna area. The 18 grandchildren will greatly miss her ready laughter, colorful character, thoughtful support, and unconditional love. Three grandsons are on church missions: Elder Brady Haws (in Chile), Elder Ben Haws (in Chile), and Elder Isaac Haws (in the Philippines). Karen's life and religious philosophy might be summarized in a few of her own well-worn adages: "Do unto others as they would have you do." "You are the only person you can control." Two of the final sentences she spoke are: "I am not afraid." "We are so greatly blessed!" Services will be held at 4:00 p.m. Thursday, February 28 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 8625 S. Linder Rd in Kuna. A viewing will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 27 at Zeyer Funeral Chapel, 83 N Midland Blvd in Nampa.
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