NEW PLYMOUTH, ID-Karen Zahniser Christensen, age 68 of New Plymouth formerly of Mohawk passed away on Tuesday May 1, 2013 after a lengthy illness. She had the peace and comfort of her husband and children at her side. She was born on July 7, 1944 in Herkimer, daughter of the late Claude and Marion Tanner Zahniser. Karen was raised in Mohawk and was educated in Mohawk Schools. She was first married to Jerry Nabinger of Mohawk in 1962. From this union they had five children. In 1979 she moved to New Plymouth where she later married Steve Christensen. For twenty-two years she has worked as a Teachers Assistant with the Special Education Department in the New Plymouth Elementary School. She retired due to ill health. Karen had a strong belief in God and while living in Mohawk, was a member of Grace Episcopal Church, Mohawk and as a young girl sang in the church Youth Choir. To all who knew her, they will never forget a warm, caring and fun loving person with a big heart. She found much joy in always thinking of others before herself and looked for nothing in return. Karen was talented artistically, in her leisure time she found relaxation doing stained glass and painting. She enjoyed crocheting, gardening and spending time in her kitchen canning and cooking. She also loved pets particularly her dauschounds. Mrs. Christensen was happiest when she was surrounded by her many friends and family especially her cherished eleven grandchildren. She will be truly missed. Surviving are her husband Steven, her former husband, Jerry Nabinger of CO, two sons, Brad Nabinger and his wife Gaynell of Auburn, WA, Patrick Nabinger of Boise,ID, three daughters, Cindy Nabinger of Boise,ID, Sherry Bierfeldt and her husband Dale of Colorado Springs, CO, Shelly Villarin of Emett, ID, two sisters, Leigh Olivero and her husband Felipe of Palm Harbor, FL, Laura Hailston and her companion Ron Schoonmaker of Ilion, two brothers, Bruce Zahniser and his wife Sally of West Frankfort, Jeff Zahniser and his wife Barb of Mohawk, eleven grandchildren, many nieces, nephews and cousins locally. Besides her parents she was preceded in death by her step-father, Bob Bayer. A funeral service was held in Idaho at a time that was convenient to the family. Expressions of sympathy may be made with memorial donations to the Hospice & Palliative Care, New Hartford, the Herkimer County Humane Society or the Childrens Miracle Network. Envelopes may be obtained at Fenner Funeral Home, Inc., 115 Court Street; Herkimer.