Karlene was born July 12, 1929 in Sioux County Nebraska to Carl Lux and Nona Lux Ferguson. She graduated from Crawford High School.

She was married to Harry Golden March 11, 1950. To this union, two children were born, a son Jerry and a daughter, Carol. Karlene married Leonard Thornton May 21, 1988.

Karlene was a loving mother, grandmother and great- grandmother. She spent 47 years working along side her husband and son on the family ranch.

She is survived by son, Jerry (Candy) Golden of Crawford, NE; daughter, Carol (Wayne) Bailey of Alliance, NE; brothers, Gerald (Alice) Lux and Ben (Barb) Ferguson both of Crawford; stepchildren, Sally (Wayne) Wold of Dayton, Ohio; Pete Thornton of Nipomo, CA; Laurie (Garry) Alkire of Scottsbluff, NE; Dave (Marlene) Thornton of Wheatherford, TX and Dan (Tonya) Thornton of Scottsbluff, NE; grandchildren, Stephanie (Trent) Ellis of Chadron, NE and Christopher (Hannah) Bailey of Otis, CO. She is also survived by many step grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends. Also surviving her is her special friend and companion, Milton Arner of Whitney, NE.

She was preceded in death by her mother, father, stepfather, her husbands, and by one great-granddaughter.