Karen Jo Bankofier Kerns joined her loved ones and Our Dear Lord God in Heaven on the 25th of March 2013. She died peacefully at her home with family in Elko, Nev.
Karen joined her father Dave Bankofier, mother Josephine Bengoa Bankofier, brother Ronald Bankofier, and granddaughter Natale T. Smart. She left behind three children and their spouses; Joetta and Swin Jesse, Jeff and Jeni Kerns, of Elko, Nev., and David and Debbie Kerns of Monmouth Ore., nine grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, brother and sister-in-law Donald and Bonnie Bankofier of Arizona, maternal aunt Mimi Drake (who is 99 years old) of Winnemucca, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Karen lived most of her life in the McDermitt area, graduating from Lowry High School in Winnemucca, Nev. She then attended Links School of Business in Boise, Idaho, while staying with Frank and Jo Reeves and kids.
After she graduated from Links, she returned to the 10 Mile Ranch with her parents in McDermitt. A couple years later she met and married Tom Kerns from Colorado (who also has gone on to Heaven). Karen went to work for the new McDermitt Mine, where she was one of the first employees. After working there for many years, she moved to Elko, Nev. In Elko, she mostly worked as a 21 Dealer at the Red Lion Casino. Karen was a tough cowgirl who loved her family and her Basque roots. Karen will be missed dearly, as she was one of a kind.
The family will be hold a celebration of Karen's life in McDermitt on the 17th of August. Details to follow later.
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