Karen Louise (Lancaster) Duncan

Karen Louise Duncan, age 65, of Caldwell, Idaho, passed away on August 3, 2025, peacefully of natural causes, surrounded by her loved ones. Karen was born in Long Beach, CA to Louise Santassusso and Dale W. Lancaster. She was raised in and around Ontario and Nyssa, OR as well as Parma, Idaho with her father Dale and his wife Karen’s mom Susan K. Lancaster. 

Karen had 4 children: Kimmie Jo in ’78, Misty Lee in ’81, Jonathan E in ’85 and Chelsi Kay in ’93 whom she loved dearly. Karen was all about her kids and family.  She was known for her bravery, grit and of course her sass, but most of all for the love she showed those around her.  Karen met the love of her life James Scott Duncan in 1992 while seeking a new adventure driving truck (18-wheeler). Scott and Karen married July 16, 1994, in Caldwell. Karen loved making crafts, scrapbooking, and making holiday wreaths.  She loved shooting darts – she even got all three of her daughters to shoot with her on leagues throughout the years. She met some good friends while playing darts. Karen loved camping, picnics, BBQs, and traveling. Most of all, spending time with family and friends. Karen was a devoted mother to her four children, grandmother to her grandkids and great-grandkids, who poured her heart into her family.

Karen is survived by her Daughter Misty Martin of Caldwell; son Jonathan (Kacie) Harwood of Middleton; brothers Nick (Kim) Lancaster of Garden City, Dale W. (Kathy) Lancaster of Colorado/Texas, Joe (Amanda) Lancaster of Idaho; sisters Ruthann Lancaster (Jennifer) of Texas, Patrica Jean Ballou (Josh) of Parma, Idaho; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

Karen’s legacy lives on in her grandchildren whom she is also survived by: Christian Morrison of Seattle, WA, Tanner (Megan) Martin of Payette, Idaho, Abigail (Dustin) Martin/Coleman of Payette, Idaho, Hannah Martin of Caldwell, Idaho, Remington and Hunter Harwood of Middleton, Idaho; and her great-grandchildren Chancely Burns of Homedale, Kinsley Rose Martin of Payette, Idaho, Daniel J. Coleman of Payette, Carter James Martin of Boise, Layne Martin of Payette, ID.  Also a few add-on family members: Jasper Martin of Nampa, best friend Jodee Gratiot of Boise, Damon (Jennifer) Finch of Middleton, Greg Edwards (Misty’s significant other) and his children Aaron Small, Gabriel Edwards, Nathaniel Edwards, Leelah Edwards and Michael Edwards all of Parma. So many people who loved and cared for Karen.

Karen is preceded in death by her husband, James Scott Duncan, 1998 her father Dale Wayne Lancaster 2009, her mother Susan Lancaster 2020, her birthmother Louise Inman 2010, Her firstborn Kimmie Jo Lancaster 2004, her youngest Chelsi Kay Duncan/Dean 2018. Her son-in-law Anthony James Dean 2018, two of her granddaughter Kaytlin Merie Dean and Avri James Dean both 2018, and a brother Franklin D Lancaster 2013.

Karen’s life was a testament of resilience and love. Though she experienced profound loss she still remained a beacon for her family. Karen will always and forever be her daughter Misty’s hero – a woman who overcame so much heartache and loss who didn’t give up or back down even at her lowest, who put others before herself.

Misty and John would like to give thanks to Davita in Caldwell, Idaho for all the years of caring and treating Karen; St. Luke’s both Meridian and Nampa for all they did; Meadow View Rehab in Nampa; Caldwell Care of Cascadia; Dr. K. Rienhart for all you did for Karen.

A memorial service will be held on September 14, 2025 at 2:00 pm at Caldwell Grange Hall 18514 Upper Pleasant Ridge Road, Caldwell, ID.  Flowers can be sent to 2412 E Chicago Street Unit MB719 Caldwell, ID 83605.