GOODING - Karen Jean Rushing Melugin, age 48, of Gooding, Idaho, died suddenly on Sunday, February 26, 2017.

Karen was born December 9, 1968, in San Jose, California, the daughter of Kerry and Kristi Rushing. Karen had two brothers, Kenny and Kurt.

Karen married Ralph Kincheloe and to this union, two sons were born, Steven and Brandon. They later divorced. Karen married Lester Melugin in 2005 and they resided in the Magic Valley until her death. They purchased their dream home north of Gooding where she could enjoy the view of the mountains and listen to the song of the Big Wood River.

Karen graduated from Jerome High School in 1987 and attended the College of Southern Idaho. She worked in the family's restaurant business for years, worked at C-3, and finished out her remaining years with the United States Postal Service, where she served as postmaster.

Karen enjoyed spending time watching her son's motocross races and became “mom” to many other boys at the track. She enjoyed camping, poetry, spending time with her grandsons, Colby and Malik, as well as family and friends. Karen had a gift of conversation and never knew a stranger. She had a big heart and was always there to help those in need.

Karen is survived by her husband, Lester Melugin; her sons, Steven (Morgan) Kincheloe and Brandon Kincheloe; grandsons, Colby Kincheloe and Malik Melugin; parents, Kerry and Kristi Rushing; brothers, Kenny (Kellie) Rushing and Kurt (Jennifer) Rushing; and countless other family and friends.