Karen Sue Loconte

January 6, 1955 - April 24, 2025

Karen Sue Loconte passed away peacefully on April 24, 2025, in Corvallis, Montana. Born to Norman and Freda (Pilkenton) on January 6, 1955, in Oakland, California, Karen brought light and joy to those around her. At sixteen, she met her future spouse, Jim Loconte, and they married two years later, beginning a lifelong journey together. Karen pursued studies in early childhood development and also became a licensed dental technician and beauty school graduate. She briefly worked in modeling and enjoyed restoring dolls in a well-stocked craft room. A gifted painter and seamstress, Karen found joy in artistic expression.

In the early 1990s, the family moved to Corvallis, Montana, where Karen opened the valley's first all-nail salon, Karen's Klassy Nails. Her shining smile and bright blue eyes were her trademark and her warmth and kindness turned clients into friends. Later, Karen and Jim moved to Seeley Lake and operated The Upper Deck restaurant and bar, where Karen's love of music (rock was her favorite) shone through weekly karaoke nights with their son.

After a time in Arkansas pursuing new adventures and performing locally including a memorable night at B.B. King's Blues Club in Nashville, Karen and Jim returned to Montana to be near their children and grandchildren. Even as Karen's health deteriorated, she was able to watch the kids' sports and musical events, and continue to cut Jim's hair for all 54 years of their life together.

Though Karen passed away on the evening of her husband's 72nd birthday, the day will be remembered as a poignant bookend of their shared life of love, devotion, and family.

Karen is survived by her spouse of 51 years, Jim Loconte; children Jessica Johnson (Matthew) and Justin Loconte (Beth); grandchildren Damon, Dacia, Reese, Brady, and Avery; sister Sandy Conway; brother Bruce Conway (Theresa); nephews Gregory, Richard, and Matthew; and her beloved cat of 17 years, Sarah.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Habitat for Humanity of Ravalli County.

Soar high dear angel, into the eternal light, where love never ends.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Ravalli Republic on May 8, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Karen Loconte

Sponsored by Brothers Mortuary & Crematory - Hamilton.

4 Entries

October 22, 2025

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Sharon Brown Girven

May 24, 2025

Beautiful person inside and out. Loved to hear her sing every weekend when her and her husband Jim hired me to entertain with my Karaoke business. I was very lucky to have known her. Rest in peace lovely lady.

Bonnie & Milt Washington

May 8, 2025

Jim, Jessica, Justin and families, we are so deeply saddened for the loss of your sweet wife, Mom, sister & Grandma. On all our visits to MT with your family, we sure enjoyed our time in getting to know Karen & Jim. They will both always have a special place in our hearts for bringing up such a beautiful daughter, (our special niece, Jessica). We love & cherish how each of our families have been united together and are especially grateful to your parents for all they have done to also make this happen! (Had it not been so, we wouldn't be here). Through all our encounters with Karen, we always felt the evidence of her beautiful ,inside & out personality. She always showed a sincere caring & love for her children, grandchildren & family. We loved sharing & enjoyed catching up on events & adventures in her & Jim's & our lives together. Your sweet Mom will surely be missed by so many! It's really hard to express in words how deeply sorry we are for our loss! Know that our thoughts and prayers will remain with all of you and your family especially during this most difficult time! Love, Bonnie & Milt Washington

Sarah (McClue) Ekin

May 8, 2025

Jess, I am so sorry! I have many delightful memories of your Mom, including dropping by Klassy Nails while she was working, or a little impromptu singing at your home.
She was such a dear lady.

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