Karen Theresa Kolman Bouley, was born July 23, 1965, in Butte, MT to Donald and Margaret Kolman, completing a small but strong family unit with older brother Tony. They grew up in the family home on East Second Street and regularly attended St. Joseph's Catholic Church.

Karen attended Monroe Elementary School and graduated from Butte High School in 1983.

Karen met the love of her life, Benjamin, in 1980. The friendship grew and they started dating in 1986 after writing love letters to each other while he was serving in the U.S. Navy. They were married on October 3, 1992.

A year later they started their family by welcoming Alyssa in October 1993. Shelby followed in July 1996 and Erynne finished off the "girl squad" with her surprise arrival in March 2004.

Karen's whole world revolved around raising, nurturing and loving her three strong girls, keeping tabs on them with her daily check-in phone calls. These were often done with the help of her "favorite girl" Tessa Mae, the family's English Springer Spaniel. Karen's favorite phrase to raise her daughters with good values was, "I don't bail".

Karen was a proud member of Teamsters Union Local 2. She served in many positions including the first female president, tirelessly representing members to the best of her ability. She remained active in the union as a Steward at St. James.

Karen worked at St. James Hospital in various positions until the time of her passing. During this tenure, she would develop many friendships and help care for many families with compassion and a kind smile.

Karen left us very unexpectedly on April 17, 2025. A vibrant soul extinguished far too early.

Surviving relatives include husband Benjamin, daughters; Alyssa, Shelby and Erynne, aunt, Mary Carol Wohlman, cousins; Todd Wohlman and family, and Treasur Dunfee and family.

Preceded in death by parents Donald and Margaret Kolman, brother Clifford "Tony" Kolman and grandparents Anton and Elizabeth Kolman, Clifford and Marguerite Willoughby.

Friends are asked to join the family after 10 a.m. on Monday, April 28, 2025 at St. Ann's Catholic Church. Liturgy of the Resurrection will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Interment of ashes will follow in Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the St. James Hospital Foundation or a charity of the donor's choice.