Obituary: Karla K. McLaren

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In memory of

Karla K. McLaren

of Interior, South Dakota, died on Thursday, August 29, 2013 at the Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska at the age of 55

Karla K. Saunders was born April 20, 1958 in Kadoka, South Dakota, the daughter of Elwin and Carol (Lange) Saunders. She grew up and received her education in Wall. After her education, she did various jobs in the Wall area.

One of the places she worked was the Wagon Wheel Bar in Interior. It was there that she met her husband, Donald “Scotty” McLaren. They were married April 3, 1998 at the Presbyterian Church in Interior. They made their home in Interior all their married life. After their marriage, Karla worked at the A&M Cafe in Interior.

Karla enjoyed horseback riding, and rock hunting with her friends Shirley Gartner, Pat Fortune, and Carolyn Guptill.

Due to health reasons, Karla moved to the Philip Nursing Home in November of 2012, where she has since resided.

Survivors include her husband Donald “Scotty” McLaren of Interior; her son Travis Saunders and his wife Cheryl of Murdo; three grandchildren; her mother Carol Wickstrom of Wall; her father Elwin Saunders of Missouri; one brother Terry Saunders of Tonto Basin, Arizona; and one sister Jean Saunders of Silverthorne, Colorado.

Karla was preceded in death by her step-father William H. Wickstrom on August 23, 1993.

Visitation was held 4-7 p.m. Monday, September 2, at the Rush Funeral Home in Philip, and again on Tuesday, September 3, from 4-7 p.m., at the Rush Funeral Home in Philip.

No other services were held.

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Visitation: 4-7 p.m. Monday, September 2, at the Rush Funeral Home in Philip, and again on Tuesday, September 3, from 4-7 p.m., at the Rush Funeral Home in Philip.

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So sorry to hear about Karla, she has had such a struggle for so long. I was hoping she would be able to pull out of this long trial. Please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers. ~ Nancy Peterson Kadoka (8/29/2013)
We are so sorry to hear about Karla's passing. We know that she has fought a tough battle. Hope that God's love can help the family thru the day's to come. When ever we would see her she had a smile and it was nice to visit with her. So sorry for your loss. ~ Tom and Jackie Shull Wall (8/29/2013)
You are in our thoughts and prayers. ~ Whirlwind Horse Family Interior (8/29/2013)
Condolences from Shane Cronin and family, who knew Travis and Cheryl while they lived in Fort Pierre. May you all find comfort in His word and love during this difficult time. ~ Shane Cronin Fort Pierre (8/29/2013)
To know Karla was to love her. God saw the pain and took it away. To the family, we hold you in our prayers and hearts at this time. Now Lornce and Mary Lou have an card player to join them. ~ Bonnie Madsen Kadoka, SD (8/29/2013)
How glad I am to have gotten a chance to know this joyous, good-hearted, laughing lady. May God comfort you greatly through this sad time.
~ Rebecca Williams Philip (8/29/2013)
Travis,Cheryl and kids. Sorry to here about your mom an grandma's passing..You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time! ~ Yvonne & Bill Kelley 126 N Adams (8/29/2013)
Karla was a gentle soal that I got to know in the nursing home,she loved seeing my grandson and was always caring to Helen.I felt so sorry for her life struggles,now she is in a much better place. ~ Pennie Slovek Philip (8/29/2013)