Union, Oregon - Karen Lynette Mudd, 66, of Union, passed away on Tuesday, October 28, 2025 at her residence. A Celebration of Life was held at Valley Fellowship/Grande Ronde Academy, 507 Palmer Avenue, on Saturday, November 8, 2025.

Karen was born on December 20, 1958 in Kensal, North Dakota to Delmar and Elfrida (Moline) Free. She resided in North Dakota and Oregon. She attended Union Elementary and Powder Valley School, North Powder. While in high school, she played Powder Puff football her freshman year and was a junior class officer and in her senior year, she was the student body treasurer. Karen met Terry Lee Mudd while attending Union Nazarene Church. They later married on June 2, 1979.

Karen was a rancher's wife, a child care provider and a homeschool teacher. She enjoyed writing, knitting, crocheting, working on the ranch, gardening, and spending time with her family. In 1975-76, she was awarded the Who's Who Among American High School Students and in 1976 was awarded the Society of Distinguished American High School Students. She also received a Certificate of Completion for Institute of Children's Literature course of study in writing for children and teenagers.

Karen is survived by her children, Abel Burnett (Nancy) of Irrigon, OR, Jeremy Mudd of Baker City, OR, Kariann Ringger (Luke) of Bluffton, OH, Jesse Mudd of Cove, OR, Sandra Mudd of La Grande, OR, Kevin Mudd of Union, OR, Victoria Mudd of Union, OR, Janessa Mudd of Union, OR, Eric Johnson (Beth) of Union, OR, Kent Klein of North Powder, OR; sisters, Kathy Mudd of Union, OR, Nancy Free-Klein of North Powder, OR and Rosemary Wickam (Rod) of Baker City, OR; brothers Randy Free of Boardman, OR and Jonathan Free (Diane) of North Powder, OR; 9 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Terry L. Mudd; parents, Delmar and Elfrida Free and various other relatives.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.lovelandfuneralchapel.com