St. George, UT: Karen Jean Hafen, 77, passed away in the loving arms of her family on September 19, 2026, due to complications from dementia.

She was born February 14, 2949, to Rex and Jean (Pollock) Gubler.

Karen married her lifelong love, Dale Jolley Hafen on May 26, 1966.

Shortly after they were married, they moved to Las Vegas, NV where they built lasting friendships and bought their first home.

Karen loved her husband and children very much and made her home her life’s occupation.

She shared her passion for rodeo and barrel racing with her daughter, and they spent many weekends traveling together and building memories as a family.

You could always find her wherever there were dogs, horses, or kids.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 10, 2026, 11:00 a.m. at Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 South Bluff Street, St. George, Utah. A viewing will be held before the funeral service that morning from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.

Family and friends are welcome to attend a luncheon immediately following her services at the LDS chapel, 446 E Mangum Road, Washington, UT, 84780.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Rex and Jean (Pollock) Gubler; her brother, Craig Rex Gubler; and granddaughter, Ashlee Barquist.

She is survived by her loving husband of 62 years, Dale Jolley Hafen; daughters, Laurie (Lonnie) Peterson, Lisa (Lorin) Leavitt; sister, Gale Ray; brother, Layne Gubler; grandchildren, Amber (Joyce) Barquist, Lexi (Nicole) Barquist, Ryan Barquist, Daleannie Leavitt, Rhett Leavitt, Derek (Raylee) Leavitt, Brook Gunn; great-grandchildren, A’daya (Brekan) Cherrington, Kali Cherrington, Trinity Barquist, Teralee Cherrington, Raina Barquist, Aster Summar, Chastity Sandoval, Eliana Ortega, Lyly Leavitt, Nyven Leavitt, Sienna Leavitt, Quinten Leavitt, Griffon Leavitt; great-great-grandchildren, Axton and Bella Turner.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the amazing staff at the Abbington for the compassionate and loving care they provided.

Family and friends are invited to share their condolences and sign Karen’s online guestbook at www.SpilsburyMortuary.com

Arrangements are made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions regarding Karen Hafen’s services. 435-673-2454.