Karen Eileen Tennant, 72, of Cheyenne, was called home by God on October 30, 2023, at Cheyenne Regional Medical Center surrounded by her husband and children. She was born on December 10, 1950 in Greeley, Colorado to Wilbert and Frances Schemp. Karen graduated from Cheyenne East High School in 1969. She then graduated from the University of Wyoming earning her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in dietetics. She worked as a Registered Dietician for United Medical Center and Women Infants and Children (WIC) for many years. She then went back to the University of Wyoming and earned her bachelor’s degree in teaching. Karen met the love of her life, Bill Tennant, and they married in 1983. Karen and Bill just celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary on October 22nd. From this union came two children, Lyndsey and Rick.
Karen was a member of Epsilon Sigma Alpha Beta Beta chapter sorority and enjoyed spending time with her sisters. They raised money for charity through bake and craft sales among other activities. Karen loved spending time with her family and friends – being a grandma was the absolute joy of her life. She enjoyed cooking and baking, especially seasonal and holiday treats, including her “famous” almond frosting cream cheese sugar cookies. Her other hobbies included cross-stitching, sewing, crafts, attending craft shows, and the annual Christmas House in Cheyenne. She also enjoyed attending her children’s/grandchildren’s sporting events, and was an avid Denver Broncos, Colorado Rockies, and University of Wyoming Cowboys fan. She was incredibly generous, loving, and kind – always supportive and encouraging to her family and friends. Each Christmas she enjoyed donating gifts to local charities for children in need.
She is survived by her husband, Bill Tennant; children, Lyndsey Smith (Landin) and Rick Tennant (Michelle);grandchildren, Chloe and Aubry Smith, Liam, Maddie, and Tali Tennant; stepdaughter, Kimberly Ganong (Ed); stepson, David Tennant; step-grandson, Logan Ganong; sisters, Kathy Giorgis, Kim Arserio (Bob) and their children and grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Wilbert and Frances Schemp; and brother-in-law, Dwight Giorgis. A Celebration of Life Service will take place on Wednesday, November 8th at 10:00 a.m, at the Wiederspahn-Radomsky Chapel of the Chimes, with a reception to follow at Saint Christophers Episcopal Church. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Karen’s name.