Karen Reyer

Mary “Karen” Reyer passed peacefully, surrounded by loved ones on July 12, 2021. Karen is survived by her husband, Eldon, three daughters, Kareen Reyer-Martinez, Maureen Reyer- Morley, AishaIseghohimen and spouses. Karen and Eldon have seven grandchildren, Inger Oldenburgh, Ashleigh Sandoval, Jacinto Martin, Maureen Martin, Kinsey Morley, Mia Coomes, Rhys Coomes and one great-grandson, Carter Sandoval. Karen was married to Eldon G. Reyer for the past 61 and a half years after meeting and marrying in Yellowstone National Park where Eldon was a Fire Guard and Karen was “theBoss’ daughter”. Their love and marriage were truly one of fun and adventure having lived in eight National Parks and retiring in Santa Fe. While living in Santa Fe, they spent 40 years involved in Santa FeCounty 4-H and multiple equine groups such as Northern New Mexico Horseman Ass., Northern New Mexican Trails Assoc, Heifer International, Listening Horse, New Mexico Horse Council, and New MexicoMule and Donkey Assoc.

Karen was born in Reading, PA in 1940. In her childhood, her father was in various parks where she grew up loving the NPS and decided to marry a handsome career ranger (Eldon). She was known to Eldon’s friends in Longmont as the “Yellowstone Tornado” because of her sense of adventure and enthusiasm. When she and Eldon were transferred to Canyonlands as the first ranger at the park, Karen could be seen four-wheeling around the park investigating and getting into “pickles” just to see if she could get herself out of the “pickle”. Nothing fazed Karen and her zest for life and adventure. She raised all her girls to know there was nothing they could not do.

Karen was known in her career as a Licensed Veterinary Technician where she served on the state board of NM and the national accreditation level for many years. She took her veterinary career to work at the Girls’ Ranch of NM as the Livestock Education Specialist after retiring from Arreghetti Vet Clinic. Karen’s unique “bomb proof” demeanor and incredibly huge steadfast heart served the ladies of Girl’s Ranch well. The ladies that Karen mentored at the ranch have fond memories of “fire drills” on the side of the highway, mucking stalls, loving chickens, and learning to dance for 4-H events. They grew into incredible women through her unflappable love, and many have stayed in touch. They are by far one of Karen and Eldon’s greatest joys in their retirement years. As Karen might say, it was “Mucking Futs” to spend their retirement years with teenagers, but they both loved it immensely and the ladies at the Ranch fill their hearts.

She was a force to behold and her love never wavered. She was a Blessing to one and all and we can only hope to live up to the people she raised us to be.

Karen’s celebration of life will be held August 2, 2021 - 11:00 AM  at Rivera Family Funerals- 417 East Rodeo Road, Santa Fe, NM 84505 

Donations in lieu of flowers are appreciated. Please donate to any of the following: Heifer International, The Boys and Girls’ Ranch (https://www.theranches.org) of NM or Rio Grand Down Syndrome Network ( https://www.ds-stride.org/rgdsnbuddywalk/profiles/team/264) 

For questions or inquiries, please reach out to MaureenMorley@gmail.com or MKReyerKM@gmail.com