Karen Recie Riffe Buckler

Karen Recie Riffe Buckler, 67 of Willard, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, November 3, 2021 at Kings Daughters Medical Center in Ashland, KY. Karen was born November 3, 1954, a daughter of the late Haskell and Helen Grace Robinson Riffe. Karen graduated from Eastern Kentucky University with her bachelor’s degree in nutrition and completed a master’s degree in nutrition at Marshall University. Karen retired from the Carter County Health Department as a dietitian after over 25 years of service. She was preceded in death by her sister, Joyce Lockwood; three brothers, Jack Riffe, Gould Riffe and Charles Riffe. Her survivors include her husband, Robert Buckler; sister, Sharon Riffe Collins of Grayson; stepson, Eric (Sherry) Buckler of Carter City, KY; stepdaughter, Heather (Shawn) Davidson of Rush, KY; grandchildren, Briana (BJ) Garvin and Mikaela (Ryan) Rice both of Olive Hill, KY; three great-grandchildren, Krew, Peyton, Elliot; nephew, Chris (Melissa) Collins of Layton, UT; niece, Jessica (Chad) Parsons of Layton, UT; two great-nieces, Emily Parsons and Isla Collins; two great-nephews, Gavin Parsons and Jackson Collins; and a host of other beloved nieces and nephews.  Anyone that had the pleasure of knowing Karen knew of her enormous heart. She was a sensitive and beautiful soul who would reach a helping hand to anyone in need. When a family, friend, church, or community member experienced loss or grief, Karen would prepare meals, contribute money, or give her time to provide comfort. She would also give to the needs of people that she did not know personally. She loved her family. She dearly loved her husband, whom she doted on each and every day. She loved her mother, brothers, and sisters. She loved her children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. But most of all, she loved and cherished her great-grandchildren, great-nieces, and great-nephews. Karen enjoyed shopping for and buying presents for these children, often to the dismay of their parents. However, when a parent would plead, “Please do not get them anything. Our children do not need any more toys.” Karen would matter-of-factly reply, “I know, but I’m going to buy them anyway.” She would not be thwarted in striving to make each child feel special and loved. When boxes would arrive at the doorstep, the children would squeal with joy and call their special “Kiki” to open these gifts. Karen loved her friends. She made many lifelong friendships that she cherished. She remembered her friends on birthdays, important holidays, and on other days throughout the year. She made an effort to stay connected with each and every friend. And each of these friends loved her in return.  Karen loved animals. She and her mother took in a beloved stray dog named Hank that visited once, then stayed for his lifetime. Karen would go to extreme measures to pamper Hank, feeding him canned dog food, giving him a warm bed every winter, and lining his doghouse with an electric blanket so that he did not become cold. She also treated stray cats similarly, outfitting houses with electric blankets through the winter to keep them warm.  Karen loved to travel. She loved taking family trips to the Smoky Mountains and to Myrtle Beach. She loved going on cruises with her sister Sharon, cousin Bill, cousin Jack and many wonderful friends. She traveled by cruise ship to the Caribbean, Alaska, and the Mediterranean. However, perhaps her favorite trips were those taken to Utah to see Emmie, Gavin, Jackson, and Isla.  Karen loved God. She was a Christian who strived to live out the principles of her faith in her own life. While her friends and family will miss her terribly, they know with certainty that she is now at peace with the Lord.
Funeral services will be conducted Sunday, November 7, 2:00 p.m. at Malone Funeral Home with Bro. George Steele, officiating. Burial will be in the East Carter County Memory Gardens. Friends may call Saturday from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. and after 12 noon Sunday. To leave the family a condolence, memory or to view live service, please go to www.malonefuneralhome.com.

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