Karen LeCheminant

Karen Christine (Foster) LeCheminant, "Chris", 70, passed away on October 1, 2023, at St. Mark's Hospital in Millcreek, Utah after battling Leukemia. She was surrounded by her children, siblings, mother, and other family members.

The oldest of six children, Chris was born November 23, 1952, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Kenneth Wynne Foster and Karen Eva (Cooley) Foster. She graduated from LDS Seminary and Kearns High School in May 1971. She was heartbroken that summer when she lost her best friend Sheri Martin, who she had planned to be roommates with in college. Despite this loss, in September 1971, she began attending Dixie College in southern Utah, where two years later she earned her Associate of Science degree. While there, she met Randall Scott LeCheminant and the two began dating. They were married on September 7, 1973, in Kearns, Utah. They were blessed with two children, Justin and Maegen, and in 1979, they were sealed, along with their children, in the LDS Salt Lake City Temple. They lived in Utah for some time, then Randy joined the Air Force which took them to various bases across the country, including Alabama, California, and Nebraska. Along the way, she made lasting friendships and touched the lives of many people. Eventually Chris brought her children back to Utah and settled in Taylorsville.

Chris faced many trials in her life, especially with her health, but she was determined to get through them, and do what she needed to do to support her little family, now as a single mother. She worked hard to further her education and in December 1997, earned her bachelor's degree in human development and family studies. She was delighted to become a teacher at Valley Crest Elementary, and a few years later, at West Valley Elementary School. She loved children and was so excited to work with them. Severe difficulties with her health eventually caused her to retire early from her career as a teacher. She loved doing crafts, sewing, and making Afghan blankets.

Chris was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and had a strong testimony of Jesus Christ and His Atonement. This was evident in her associations with family, friends, and associates. She was always willing to give and share what she had with others, including her own home. She was kind and loving and had positive words to say to make you feel accepted as you are. She loved her family and loved to gather together as often as possible. She was a joy to be around, with a cheerful countenance, warm smile, and joyful laughter. She often expressed her faith in the Savior and served in many callings in the church, including in Primary and Relief Society. She had an interest in family preparedness and had a great love for the temple and of doing family history work. It would be no surprise if she continues that effort on the other side. She will be sorely missed by those of us left behind, but who can imagine our Heavenly Father saying to her, "Thou art my dear child in whom I delight. Welcome home."

Chris is survived by her former husband Randall S. LeCheminant, children Justin R. LeCheminant (Susan and sons Ethan and Charlie) and Maegen R. LeCheminant; her mother Karen E. (Cooley) Foster; her siblings, Mary C. (Kevin) Fuller, Kenneth R. Foster, Andrea L. (Dan) Beyerlein, and Sheldon W. (Deborah) Foster; and many nieces and nephews.

Chris was preceded in death by her father Kenneth W. Foster and her sister Debra Sue (Foster) Greenland.

Viewings will be held Sunday, October 8, 2023, 6:00-8:00 pm at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 South Redwood Road and Monday, October 9, 11:30 -12:30 am at the Church prior to the funeral services.

Funeral services will be held Monday, October 9, 2023, 1:00 pm, at Taylorsville 26th Ward, 4932 South 3200 West, Taylorsville, Utah.

Interment: Valley View Memorial Park, 4335 West 4100 South, West Valley City, Utah.

Join us virtually at https://zoom.us/j/91585285066