Karen Emily (Lester) Anderson Obituary

Karen Emily (Lester) Anderson (Lompoc, California), went to be with her Lord Jesus Christ on August 28, 2025, at the age of 74.

Karen was born on September 20, 1950 in Indiana and, at 8 years old, moved to Santa Barbara, California with her family. In 1968, She graduated from San Marcos High School in Santa Barbara, CA. In 1971, at age 20, Karen began working at GTE/Verizon and continued to work there until her retirement in 2001. Karen’s office position, which she held for many years, was terminated due to a reduction in workforce and she had to become a lineman to remain employed by GTE/Verizon. Karen bravely accepted the challenge, but eventually fell from a pole in 1988, causing serious injury to her back, which she dealt with for many years and through numerous surgeries.
At age 32, Karen married the love of her life, Allan B Anderson, who came with a “wonderful, instant family" of 1 girl, Leah Anderson, and 3 boys, Steven, Will and Bryan Anderson. They enjoyed 26 years of marriage before Allan's passing in 2009.
After Allan's passing, Karen moved to Lompoc, CA, where she enjoyed visits from her family, gardening at home, her church family and her Pomeranian, Leo. After many years there, Karen suffered a dissected aorta, which resulted in the loss of her right lower leg. Karen jokingly referred to her prosthetic limb as "Peggy" . Karen had a wonderful sense of humor and was a strong and loving woman. She would often say, “God is my strength “.
Karen is survived by her children, her sister, Christy, numerous nieces and nephews, numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband and her parents. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Arrangements are under the direction of Dudley-Hoffman Mortuary, Crematory and Memory Gardens