Obituary - Russell Edwin Karney
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Russell Edwin Karney, 96, of La Junta peacefully passed away March 19, 2026, at Bluestem Village in La Junta surrounded by his loving family.
He was born Saturday, September 21, 1929, in La Junta to Dennis and Ruth (Russell) Karney
Russ was raised on an irrigated farm south of Swink during the Great Depression. He attended grade school at Fairview, junior high at Swink and eventually graduated from La Junta High School in 1947. He went to work at La Junta Milling and Elevator Company the day after graduation. Then, in 1951 Russ enlisted in the US Army during the Korean war. He served his country from 1951 until the war’s conclusion in 1953. Upon his return he married Mary Lou Autry August 2, 1953. Together they became parents, grandparents and great-grandparents over the span of a 72-year marriage.
Russell was an active member of his community serving on many boards. Notably during his time on the La Junta Chamber of Commerce board, he helped organize the Kim-La Junta picnic, which played an instrumental role in helping promote the paving of the highway between the two towns. Russell also served on boards for the La Junta Housing Authority and La Junta FFA advisory committee.
In 2012 he became an honorary lifetime Bent-Prowers Cattle and Horse Growers association member. He was also a proud member of Colorado Cattlemen's Association and a lifetime member of La Junta Elks.
Russell is survived by his wife, Mary Lou Karney of the La Junta home; children, Rhonda (Doug) Johannes of Arvada, Patrick (Robin) Karney of Las Animas, Kevin (Verleen) Karney of La Junta, and Lisa (Doug Tressler) Karney of Lawrence, Kansas; grandchildren, Kelsey (Andy) Schweizer of La Junta, Seth (Erin) Johannes of Broomfield, Tyler (Kashley) Karney of Ordway, Ashley (Terry) Grasser of Las Animas, Erin (Joe) Spaur of Johnstown, Bo (Abbie) Karney of Branson, Katelyn (Cade) Luckett of Idalou, Texas, Aislyn (Keaton) Hatch of Canyon, Texas, Drew (Paige) Lower of Manzanola, Dylan (Rosa) Lower of Las Vegas, Nevada, and Karlie Lower of Lenexa, Kansas; 17 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews also survive. He is preceded in death by his parents, Dennis and Ruth Karney; sister, Katherine Maher; and brothers, Bill and Bob Karney.
Graveside Service will be held March 23, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Fairview Cemetery in La Junta with Pastor Jeb Brown of River of Life Church in Ordway officiating. Military Honors will be given by Rocky Ford American Legion Post #8.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Arkansas Valley Hospice and Bluestem Nursing home for their kindness, knowledge and dedication during Russell’s final days.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Russell’s name can be made to Arkansas Valley Hospice or Colorado Cattlemen's Association (coloradocattle.org) direct or through the Funeral Home.
Perez & Peacock Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory are in charge of arrangements.
