06/09/2026
The Liberty County Council on Aging is thrilled to announce that Karen Graham has been named the 2026 Liberty County Senior of the Year — a well‑deserved honor for a woman whose energy, generosity, and community spirit seem absolutely endless.
Karen spent many years at the Brown Law Office, where she quickly became known as the person who could master anything. The Brown family remembers her as a lightning‑fast learner, a steady problem‑solver, and the one who always stepped up when things got tough. “Karen was a whiz at the law office,” they say — the kind of teammate who could conquer new computer systems, smooth out office challenges, and still find time to go above and beyond.
The Brown children remember her just as fondly. Karen treated them with kindness, patience, and genuine interest — even on their most chaotic days. She cheered for every kid on every team, took part in community events, and led Girl Scouts with fearless enthusiasm. She even lent her musical talents to Missoula Children’s Theatre and school concerts, filling the room with warmth and encouragement.
Karen’s dedication to Liberty County stretches across nearly every corner of community life. She volunteers with the food pantry, the Combined Fund Drive, and the Liberty County Community Development Committee. She is known county‑wide for her friendship, her reliability, and her unwavering commitment to helping others.
Her service to local churches is equally inspiring. Karen has shared her musical gifts at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church and now serves Bethel Lutheran Church as pianist and WELCA president. She organizes funeral meals, pie socials, Circle coffee hours, and the beloved Lutefisk dinners — bringing people together with her signature blend of kindness and can‑do spirit.
Karen also contributes to the Liberty County TV Board, helping ensure free television access for local homes. She assists with Combined Fund Drive mailings and materials, supports the Food Bank year after year, and continues to play piano for school concerts. If you’ve attended a local sporting event, you’ve probably seen her in the stands — cheering loudly, asking kids about their activities, and making each one feel seen and valued.
For her generosity, her leadership, her joyful presence, and her tireless dedication to Liberty County, we are honored to celebrate Karen Graham as the 2026 Liberty County Senior of the Year.
Past Senior of the Year recipients in attendance were Bob Mattson, Quannah Bailey, Maggie Holmes, Gary Jensen, Shirley Rudolph, Judy Tempel, Karla Kulpas, Karen Graham, and Pat Ludwig
