Karen Sue Masterson Warren, 79

James Emory Masterson and Elnora Russell Masterson welcomed their first child, Karen Sue Masterson Warren, on August 4, 1945, in Memphis, Texas. When Karen was five years old, the family moved to Las Cruces, New Mexico, where she would grow up and ultimately leave a lasting legacy of love, learning, and music.

Karen graduated from Las Cruces High School in 1963. She went on to earn a Bachelor's degree in Home Economics Education from New Mexico State University in 1967 and a Master’s degree in Guidance and Counseling from Texas Tech University in 1977.

On January 29, 1965, Karen married the love of her life, Tom Warren, at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. Together, they spent 23 years in the Air Force, living in various locations both stateside and overseas. During that time, they welcomed their son, Clifton, in Big Spring, Texas, in 1972, and their daughter, Amanda, in San Antonio, Texas, in 1975. Their final military assignment was at Holloman AFB, where Tom retired in May 1989. In 1994, they returned to Las Cruces to settle permanently.

Throughout their Air Force years, Karen found joy and purpose in each location—teaching, traveling, building community through ministry, and leading aerobic dance classes. Following their military life, she pursued a fulfilling career in education, working as a Gifted Facilitator for high school students in both Alamogordo and Las Cruces and advocating for special education across New Mexico until her retirement in 2010.

Karen was a lifelong musician. She loved singing, playing the piano, and performing. As a devoted member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, she served for many years as a church musician and was active in both the Choir and Praise Team. She also enjoyed playing and acting with both the Black Box Theater and Las Cruces Community Theater, along with singing in the Mesilla Valley Chorale. Beyond her musical contributions, she enjoyed volunteering in the community through Walk to Emmaus, Chrysalis, Mayor’s Top Teens, Ballet Folklorico, and the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum.  

Karen passed away peacefully at home on the morning of April 12, 2025, surrounded by love.

She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Tom Warren; her children, Clifton Warren and Amanda Kuhn; her sisters, Lucinda Masterson Ray (Michael) and Mimie Masterson Hall (Todd); her grandchildren, Rebekkah Kuhn, Angela Cincotta (Harry), Johanna Bunting (Bill), Bruno Lamberti (Rachelle), Gino Lamberti, and Lucciano Lamberti; and their mother, Rosana Lamberti Warren. She is also survived by four great-grandchildren: Kayla Avery, Lucci Lamberti, Laila Lamberti, and Bella Lamberti. Karen deeply cherished her extended family, including her nieces and nephews—Kelsey Ray, Cameron Ray (Shannon), Kerrick Ray, Dylan Hall, Laurin Hall, Evan Hall, and Charlotte Hicks–along with great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and many who were like family that brought her joy throughout her life.  

Karen was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Jenann Masterson.

A celebration of Karen’s life will be held at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Las Cruces on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in her honor to St. Paul’s UMC or the Alzheimer’s Association.

Karen’s life was a beautiful symphony of service, song, and love—one that will echo in the hearts of those who knew her for years to come.