Karen Barnes

Karen Barnes, 81, of Traverse City, MI, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 19, 2023 surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Detroit, MI on July 4, 1942, to Maynard and Mildred (Wiltse) Fielstra. She was the oldest of five children. Karen's love story with her husband Ronald, spanned 67 years, 63 of them happily married. Together they raised their four daughters. At home, Karen enjoyed gardening, cooking and canning. She loved her crafts, especially knitting and sewing. Karen kept a tree decorated in her house year around that celebrated the holidays and seasons. She made sure her home was filled with warmth, laughter, and celebration. This was a testament of her true spirit. She could make anyplace a home. Karen spent 19 years serving as a 4-H leader in her community. She loved the idea of teaching and nurturing the next generation. She woke up early every year to ensure her kids had the best booth at the fair to showcase all of their hard work. She worked with other leaders and wasn’t scared to jump in and learn from others what she didn’t know. She loved making something new. Karen’s adventurous spirit led her to enjoy various hobbies such as bowling, camping, canoeing and traveling. Together with Ron, they explored all 50 states and many Canadian provinces. Many of these adventures were made on their motorcycle. They were proud members of the 20th Century Drifters Camping Club, the Traverse Region Conservation Club, and the Gold Wing Road Riders Association. In her professional life, Karen worked in retail and as a waitress at Bells. Her last 20 years of work was at Nelson’s Moulding and Frame. She was the office manager. She retired in 2007. Karen's legacy is perseverance and grit, giving each day everything you have to give, adding humor in wherever you can, love and concern for family and friends, and always maintaining a sense of adventure. Karen’s zest for life will be missed but will live on through her girls. May she rest in peace, and her memory remain forever alive in the hearts of those who loved her. Karen leaves behind her husband Ron, their four devoted daughters: Ronda (Fred) Shelton, Cheryl (Kathy Moody-Breece) Barnes, Amy Barnes, and Jill (Robert) Marshall. Grandchildren, Katherine (Luke) Manthuruthil, Jennifer (Joshua) Webber, Sarah (Nic) Weemhoff, Tyler Barnes, Rachael (Reco) Wheatley, Landon Novak, Preston Novak, Treva Dalzell, Katie Marshall, Lily Marshall and great-grandchildren JJ, Clark, Ali, Jaxon, Elias, Jonas, Kylo, Devin, and Maverick. Her siblings Joan (Charles) Monday, Larry Fielstra, David (Maryann) Fielstra and Lori (Gordon) Driver. Along with many other loving family members and friends. Karen is preceded in death by her parents and her two stillborn children. We know they were there waiting to greet her. Visitation to celebrate Karen's life will be held on Thursday, October 26, 2023, from 4-7pm at Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home in Traverse City, Michigan. Funeral services will follow on Friday, October 27, 2023, with visitation beginning at 10am and the service at 11am. To view her Funeral live please visit rjfh.tv. Karen will be laid to rest at Maple Grove Cemetery in Elk Rapids, Michigan. A reception to honor her memory will be hosted at Harvest Church in Traverse City, Michigan. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Father Fred Foundation. To share your thoughts and memories of Karen, please visit www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.

Karen Barnes

July 4, 1942 - October 19, 2023