Karen Lynn Dillinger passed away Aug. 1, 2017 in Sterling, Colorado.

Karen was born June 6, 1958 in Akron, CO to Melvin and Bettie (Doane) Sampson. Karen grew up on her parent's farm outside Akron.  She graduated from Akron high School in 1976.  She then moved to Sterling to attend NJC.  Here she met the love of her life, Paul Dillinger.  They were married Dec. 8, 1979 in Sterling.

She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Sterling where she played the organ and helped teach children's Sunday School. Karen was the proud mother of two sons, Michael Dillinger (wife Kelsey) of Sterling and William Dillinger of Sterling.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Syvert Sampson of Akron, CO.

She is survived by her husband, Paul; two sons, Michael (wife Kelsey) and William both of Sterling; granddaughters, Karly McKinney, Emma Stumpf, Addison Prusha, and Harper Dillinger all of Sterling; two brothers, Warren Sampson of Arizona, Martin Sampson of Fort Collins, Colo.; two sisters, Marilyn Kelley of Willard, CO and Selma Vaughn of Fort Collins, CO.

Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 26, 2017 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Sterling, CO.

Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church in memory of Karen Dillinger.