Karen Louise Beardall

Karen Louise Ogden Beardall was born 27 March 1939 in Salt Lake City, Utah to her parents, Astor McKay Ogden of Richfield, Utah and Nellie Ileen Nielsen of Monroe Utah. She passed away on October 10, 2025 in American Fork, Utah at the age of 86.

Karen’s early life was marked by frequent moves as her father pursued education and work in teaching and dentistry. By the time Karen married, she had lived in 26 different places. During her high school years, her father’s military service took the family to Japan, though Karen soon returned to the U.S. to complete her senior year in Richland, Washington, graduating from Columbia High School after attending four different high schools.

Karen’s love for music flourished during her youth in Washington, where she studied the cello and performed in church and school groups. She attended summer music programs at BYU and was offered a music scholarship to the University of Washington, which she declined in favor of enrolling at BYU. There, she fulfilled her dream of playing in the BYU Symphony Orchestra before switching her major to early childhood development. After graduating in 1961, she taught in Salt Lake City and Berkeley, returning to Utah during the Cuban Missile Crisis. In 1963, she served a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Paris, France, and upon returning, continued teaching and serving in church callings while playing cello in the Utah Valley Symphony. It was during this time that she reconnected with John Smith Beardall, a former classmate, and they married on February 21, 1968.

Karen and John’s life together took them from Utah to Seattle, Washington, then to White Rock, New Mexico, where they raised five children and Karen remained active in church service and music. In 1982, they moved to Vienna, Virginia, where Karen served in numerous leadership roles, including Relief Society president and family history center director, known for her compassion and reaching out to the minorities and individuals in need. After 24 years, they returned to Utah in 2006 to be near family. Even in retirement and through health challenges, Karen continued to serve faithfully in her ward and community. Her strong testimony, influence, and warmth left a lasting impact on those who knew her.

Karen is preceded in death by a granddaughter; and survived by her sister Donna, her husband John, her five children, David John (Jennifer) Beardall, Steven McKay (Minda) Beardall, Philip Warren (Morrigan) Beardall, Ruth Ann (Steven) Johnson, and Matthew Hyrum (Jennifer) Beardall, 19 grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.

Karen’s family is invited to attend a graveside service on Friday, October 17, 2025 at 11:00 am at the Evergreen Cemetery, 1997 South 400 East, Springville, UT 84663.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the BYU School of Music.

Condolences may be expressed to the family on this page.