Karen Ninman age 80, passed away on Saturday, April 17th in Columbia Falls, Montana.  Karen was born to Lorraine (Beers) and Charles “Charlie” Halpain in Shawnee, Oklahoma before settling west of Bushton, Kansas where she graduated from in 1958. Karen’s older brother was Duane Halpain, formerly of Hutchison, Kansas.

Karen married Glenn Christians and had two sons, Mark and Anthony “Tony” Christians.  After divorcing Glenn, she married Howard Ninman and were married for 38 years before Howard passed away in 2003.  The family lived in Healdton until 1980 and then moved to Oklahoma City.  Karen worked for several drilling companies as an accountant before working for a period for small trucking company.  She subsequently started a pet-sitting business and adopted several Golden Retrievers -- Molly, Ginger and Sadie.  Karen attended the Church of the Holy Apostles Episcopal Church in south Oklahoma City.

Following Howard’s death and her retirement, Karen traveled with her dogs for camping in the US and Canada.  It was her love of travel that caused her to move to Montana.  She lived the last 10 years in Montana, enjoying the views and changing seasons living just west of Glacier National Park.

Karen is survived by:  Tony Christians and his wife Chris; Mark Christians; Carolyn Ninman, Pam Rodriguez and Beverly Spade; grandchildren and great-grandchildren – and her beloved dog, Casey. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m on Saturday May 15, 2021 at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home in Kalispell, Montana and a graveside service is being scheduled for Saturday, May 22nd at Fort Sill Military Cemetery.  Memorials for Karen may be directed to Morris Animal Foundation. They are conducting a canine cancer study cancer.  https://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/golden-retriever-lifetime-study. Friends are encouraged to visit our website at www.buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolences for the family.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Buffalo Hill Funeral Home

1893 US Highway 93 N

Kalispell, MT  59901

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, April 21, 2021