Obituaries & Tributes

Karen Theresa Winters: April 9, 1949 – Nov. 23, 2021

Karen T. Winters, 72, of Cottage Grove died peacefully Nov. 23, 2021 after a brief battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her family and close friends. 

Karen was born on April 9, 1949, in Eugene to Ivan and June Hoyer. She was raised in Cottage Grove and graduated from Cottage Grove High School in 1967. 

She met her husband, James Winters, while in college. They were married in Hazleton, Pa. on March 2, 1968, and recently celebrated their 53rd anniversary. After a brief period while Jim was in the Navy, Karen and Jim returned to Cottage Grove in 1969.

Early in her career Karen worked for Garber’s Nursing Home in Eugene as a bookkeeper. Not long into her bookkeeping career she joined the family business aptly named Hoyer Accounting, also located in Cottage Grove. Eventually she purchased the business from her parents and operated the firm until recent health issues precipitated a long-awaited retirement.

Over the years Karen was very active with numerous organizations including Family Relief Nursery, Rotary Club of Cottage Grove Oregon, Downtown Cottage Grove (The Cottage Grove Main Street Program and Economic and Business Improvement District), Oregon Society of Tax Consultants, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, Cottage Grove Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Oregon State Board of Tax Practitioners – a position she was appointed to by the governor.

During her life, Karen had many interests, but loved nothing more than her Oregon Ducks. She also enjoyed camping and traveling to new places. Karen and her husband, Jim, had just recently returned from a trip to Mexico. She had a love for her Bichon Frise, and her nights spent with friends and family.

Karen T. Winters is survived by her husband of 53 years, James Winters, two daughters Charlene (Jeff) Williams and Michele Knee and four grandchildren Brittany, James, Jeremy and Corey.

She will be known best for having the biggest smile and the most wonderful hugs. She was a kind and gentle soul.

Memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital at stjude.org.

A funeral mass was held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Cottage Grove. A private interment will occur at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland.

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