Nancy Karen Hancock Meldrum passed away on Friday, August 30, 2024 while living in Springville, Utah after a courageous struggle with dementia.

Karen was born in Rexburg, Idaho on April 28, 1942. She was raised on the family farm in Menan, Idaho. She attended school in Rigby, and graduated from Rigby High School.

Karen attended Utah State University in Logan, Utah, where she met James Meldrum. They were married in the Idaho Falls Temple on July 3, 1963.

Karen and Jim eventually settled in Helena, Montana where they lived for more than 50 years and raised their four children. Karen worked for 25 years for LDS Social Services as an administrative assistant. She also worked as a secretary and librarian at Smith Elementary School.

A lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Karen served in many capacities.

In retirement Karen and Jim served a full-time mission in the Tampa Florida mission. They also served as temple ordinance workers in the Billings Montana Temple.

Karen always looked to serve others. Every Christmas, she would bake dozens and dozens of cinnamon rolls that she would deliver to people all around town. She had many hobbies, and loved spending time sewing, quilting, crocheting, gardening and reading. Karen had a love of sports, and could be found watching tennis tournaments and the Olympics. She played softball and tennis in her younger years. She looked forward to spending time with her family, and had many fond memories of camping trips to Seeley Lake.

She is survived by her husband James Meldrum and her children Ryan Meldrum of Glendale, Arizona, Lisa (Blaine) Homer of Springville, Utah, Camille (David) Paul of Magdalena, New Mexico, and Jason (Julie) Meldrum of Midland, Texas, along with ten grandchildren and one great-grandchild. She is also survived by her sisters Marie Fredrickson, Gayle Powell, Rita Tingey and Peggy Cornwall, and brothers Dean Hancock and Carl Hancock.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Irvin LeRoy and Verba Jean Hancock, brother Myron Hancock and sister Connie MacFarland.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, September 7 at the Little Butte Cemetery in Annis, Idaho.

Special thanks to the Memory Care staff at The Ashford Assisted Living Center in Springville, Utah, and to her hospice nurse Stacy.