Joan A. Karns

Joan Karns ObituaryObituary published on Legacy.com by Merchant Funeral Home - Clarkston on Mar. 3, 2026.Despite being diagnosed the Multiple Sclerosis in her 20s, Joan Allene English Karns lived a determinedly fruitful life and went to Heaven at the age of 83 on Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. She was born July 3, 1942, in Riverside, Calif., to Jane and Willard English. The family relocated to Gifford when Joan was 4 years old. She graduated from Culdesac High School, where she played trombone and piano, as well as being a cheerleader and valedictorian. Joan attended Northwest Nazarene College in Nampa, when she met the love of her life, Marvin Karns, on a blind date. After Marvin became a counselor at Lewiston High School, Joan taught at the Foreign Student Institute at Lewis-Clark State College for several years.The couple enjoyed travel, and the Oregon Coast was a favorite vacation spot. They toured England, Scotland and Wales and spent several summers on Whidbey Island. Later, a few winters were enjoyed at Lake Havasu in Arizona.After Marvin's death in 2018, Joan moved to Evergreen Estates, but a stroke necessitated a move into Golden Girls Care facility, where she received loving care and was quite content.Both her parents preceded Joan in death, but she is survived by her four siblings: Larry (Joyce) English, Kathy (Jim) Miller, Jim (Shelle) English and Jenise English. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews, as well as leaving behind a number of loving friends.Joan loved cats, but her relationship to Christ was of utmost importance to her. For years she played piano at First Nazarene Church and valued worship and the women's Bible study group at "Congo-Pres."Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 21, at Congregational-Presbyterian Church, 709 Sixth St., Lewiston, with a reception to follow. Memorial gifts may be made to the church or to a charity of choice.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.