Karen Ruth
Cerniway
Karen Ruth Cerniway, 92, passed away peacefully Saturday, January 11, 2025 at Fountain Hill Assisted Living in Albuquerque, NM.
Karen was born in Farmington, NM at her Grandparents home on June 22, 1932, the eldest daughter of Kenneth Kermit Waggoner and Freda Woods Waggoner. She graduated from Silverton High School in 1950.
Karen married Clyde John Cerniway, son of Frank (deceased 1941) and Clara Burzio Cerniway on April 15, 1951 in Silverton, CO. Karen was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years.
She is survived by her four children: Ivona Ruth McCrary (Roy), Michael Charles Cerniway (Marie), Marian Lee Davies (Scott) and Claire Dee Miazza (Jim). She has four grandchildren: Erin Chase Davies Moore (Jay), James Frances Miazza V, Abigail Ann Davies (Charles D’Avignon) and Michael John Miazza; and one great-grandson: Keaton Robert Moore; and by her sisters: Rosalie Knight (Don, deceased) and Mary Elizabeth Cohea (Gerry, deceased); nine nieces and nephews and numerous cousins.
Karen and Clyde moved to Grants, NM in May of 1963. Many will remember her for her sense of humor and quick smile. She served the Community for many years as Den mother, Room mother, Mother Whiteside Memorial Library Assistant, Pilot Club President, Cibola County Historical Society, Membership committee, Quilt Guild Associate and Presbyterian Church Deacon. She worked at Mt. Taylor Elementary as a Teachers Aid and Computer Skills teacher for 1st Grade for many years.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date in Grants, NM, announcement forthcoming. She will be buried next to her husband Clyde at Hillside Cemetery, Silverton, CO in the summer of 2025, date to be announced.