August 20, 1931 — April 20, 2026

La Junta, Colorado

 

Obituary

Mary Lou Karney, 94, of La Junta, Colorado, passed away peacefully on April 20, 2026 in Pueblo, CO, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on August 20, 1931, in La Junta, Colorado to Horace Joseph & Mary Matilda “Tilly” (Ballou) Autry. Mary Lou married Russell Karney on August 2, 1953, he preceded her death on March 19, 2026. Together they became parents, grandparents and great-grandparents over the span of a 72-year marriage.

Mary Lou is survived by her children, Rhonda (Doug) Johannes of Arvada, CO; Patrick (Robin) Karney of Las Animas, CO; Kevin (Verleen) Karney of La Junta, CO; & Lisa (Doug Tressler) Karney of Lawrence, KS; grandchildren, Kelsey (Andy) Schweizer of La Junta, CO; Seth (Erin) Johannes of Broomfield, CO; Tyler (Kashley) Karney of Ordway, CO; Ashley (Terry) Grasser of Las Animas, CO; Erin (Joe) Spaur of Johnstown, CO; Bo (Abbie) Karney of Branson, CO; Katelyn (Cade) Luckett of Idalou, TX; Aislyn (Keaton) Hatch of Canyon, TX; Drew (Paige) Lower of Manzanola, CO; Dylan (Rosa) Lower of Las Vegas, NV; & Karlie Lower of Lenexa, KS; 17 great-grandchildren; siblings, Osa Amend, Betty Daniels, Wanda (Bill) Little, Bertha Bruce, and Jake (Deb) Autry; numerous nieces & nephews also survive. She is preceded in death by her husband, Russell E. Karney; parents, Joe and Tilly Autry; brother, Charles “Bub” Autry; In-laws, Dennis & Ruth Karney; sister-in-law, Katherin Maher and brothers-in-law, Bill and Bob Karney.

Graveside service will be held Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Fairview Cemetery in La Junta with Pastor Jeb Brown of River of Life Church in Ordway, officiating.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Sangre De Cristo Hospice and Joni Fair Nursing home for their kindness, knowledge and dedication during Mary Lou’s final days.

Online condolences may be made at www.PeacockFH.com. Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.