Karen Lynn Hayes (Corey) 80, passed away peacefully on December 24, 2024 at Community Hospital in Missoula, Montana. Karen was born July 21,1944, to parents Lyle Corey and Agnes (Krein) in Reno, Nevada. She grew up and graduated from Scobey High School, Scobey, Mt., in 1962. Upon graduation from high school, Karen attended cosmetology school in Billings before marrying David Hayes and settling down to start a family. Karen and Dave's three children, Brent, Margo, and Mike were the world to her. Karen and Dave raised their children in Cut Bank, MT and had a wonderful life.

Karen discovered her love of flowers and crafts in Cut Bank. She used her design skills for many years as a floral designer at the Cut Bank Greenhouse where she developed lifelong friendships. She co-owned the successful business 'Something Special' focused on floral arrangements and crafts. Karen's love of flowers was unlimited, as was her talent. She nurtured beautiful gardens wherever she lived. She transformed many vacant spaces into colorful works of art. She spent many hours among her flower beds admiring the plants, pulling weeds, and casting seeds wherever there was visible dirt.

Karen also loved sewing and crafts. She became a talented lifelong seamstress after making her sister Kelli's beautiful wedding dress and sewing many clothes for her daughter Margo. She soon added ceramics to her impressive artistic skills. She was never without a sewing or cross-stitch project, or crafting one of her beautiful dolls which she sold at local crafts outlets. She often used things from her garden in her crafts, branches for doll arms, acorn tops for doll hats, and whatever she could imagine. Her craft room was overflowing with books, patterns, fabrics and projects in work.

Karen made the bold decision to attend college later in life. She created a rivalry with her MSU Bobcat children by enrolling in the University of Montana where she graduated with honors with a Bachelor of Social Work in 2002. While in college she met her best friend and husband, Ken Payne. Karen and Ken enjoyed many adventures. After graduating from college, they moved to Battle Mountain, Nevada where she had a successful career as a Social Worker for Child Protective Services from 2002 to 2006. Eventually, she and Ken returned to his home in the Bitterroot Valley where Karen was a social worker with Hamilton, MT Child Protective Services for 4 years before retiring in 2010. Karen and Ken often spent Saturdays driving around the countryside, getting ice cream from Dairy Queen, or watching college football, especially rooting for the UofM Grizzlies.

Karen loved to travel to Mississippi every year to spend a month with Margo and her family. While there she enjoyed crawfish boils, sitting on the porch visiting family and friends, but most important to her, time with Margo, her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Karen was a wonderful listener. Many friends shared their dreams and challenges with her knowing she would provide good advice. She was a second Mom to many of her kids' friends. She was the one who never judged, saw something good in everyone, and helped anyone in need.

Karen was preceded in death by her mother Agnes, stepmother Cleo, father Lyle Corey, mother-in-law Josephine Hayes, husband David Hayes, and sister Kelli Tafelmeyer. She is survived by her husband Ken Payne, sons Brent (Michele) and Michael; daughter Margo Sowles (Eric Jones), granddaughters Stevie Lynne Sowles and Jessica Brewer (Douglas), great grandchildren Maeley and Deegan; brother Mike Corey, nephews Brandon (Kirstie and sons Brennen, Will) and Shannon (son Liam); brothers John and David Corey; brother-in-law Jon Tafelmeyer (Kelli), niece Jonna and nephew Cory; and brother-in-law Tom Payne (Carol).

Karen is now at peace. In keeping with her wishes, she was cremated and there will be a graveside prayer from the pastor of Grace Lutheran Church. Family will convene for a celebration of life later in the year.