[br][br]Karen Kay Davies, 74, of Loon Lake, Wash., passed away June 5, 2015 in Spokane, Wash.
Karen was born December 5, 1940, in Everett, Wash. to Matt and Sylvia Johnson. An only child, she spent her early years in Sand Coulee, Mont. before moving to Spokane with her parents in 1950.
She graduated from John R. Rogers High School in 1958 and Western Washington State College in 1962. At Rogers she met her future husband, Dick, and they were married September 2, 1961.
Dick and Karen had nearly 54 years of wonderful marriage together. They lived in Everett and Edmonds, Wash.; Fort Worth, Texas; and later settled in Everett again for 38 years. Karen taught Spanish, English and home economics at Evergreen Middle School, and later was a home economist for the Snohomish County Public Utilities District. Karen stopped working to raise two children, but then went back to work at the Snohomish County Literacy Coalition at Everett Community College for 18 years. Karen was passionate about reading and education, and through her efforts leading the Coalition, hundreds of adults learned how to read.
Karen was an avid reader and encouraged reading by routinely giving books as gifts. She researched her and her husband's family trees and enjoyed crossword puzzles. Her creative talents included interior decorating and sewing, and she made numerous quilts, pillows and clothes. She loved animals and nature, and when she retired to Loon Lake with Dick in 2007, she enjoyed the wildlife, growing flowers and tomatoes, and volunteering her time with the Loon Lake Land Conservancy.
Karen was a loving, caring wife and mother and had several close friends. She had perseverance and strength in a very quiet and gracious way. She expressed her generosity in a personal way that led to many special memories. Family time was her favorite, and she enjoyed family games, making pies, and conversation over a glass of wine.
Karen is survived by her husband Dick, son Ben, daughter Kris and son-in-law Jason Krolak. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Memorials in Karen's name may be made to the Loon Lake Land Conservancy, PO Box 153, Loon Lake, WA 99148 or your favorite charity. A reception to celebrate Karen's life will be held 2-6 p.m. Saturday, July 18, at the Old School House in Loon Lake, 4000 Colville Road.