Karen Junette Heins

Karen Junette (Barrett) Heins, age 79, passed away peacefully on March 13, 2026, at Regional West Medical Center in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on September 1, 1946, in Pine Bluffs, Wyoming, to Alfred “Harold” and Mabel Junette (Belgum) Barrett, Karen graduated from Melbeta High School in 1964. She married Larry Heins on August 19, 1978, and they shared 42 years of marriage. Karen worked at Sunstrand Credit Union for more than 20 years, where her strong work ethic left a lasting impression on those around her.

She had a deep love for travel, with Mexico holding a special place in her heart. In her free time, Karen enjoyed hunting for bargains while shopping and competing fiercely in games of Scrabble, often approaching life with the gentle reminder to take it “One Day at a Time.”

Karen is survived by her sister Carol (Bob) Taylor of Arizona and their family, including nieces Melanie (Bob) Wells and Gayle (Jason) Hibner, and great-nieces and great-nephews Dustin, Emily, and Wyatt; her brother Dwight (Jenni) Barrett of Nebraska and their family, including Joshua Barrett, Amy (Ryan) Biggs, and Joel (Gabrielle) Barrett, and great-nieces and great-nephews Waylon, William, and Walker; brother-in-law Fred Heins of Kansas; sisters-in-law Janice Price of Kansas and Theresa Hatch of Illinois; and many nieces-in-law and nephews-in-law. She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Mabel Barrett, and her husband, Larry Heins.

Karen cherished her family and close friends with a kindness, humor, and warm spirit that touched everyone who knew her. Her clever wordplay and loving presence will be remembered fondly. She now rests in the peace and promise of the Lord she loved. Her family is deeply grateful for the compassionate care provided by the staff at Regional West Medical Center.