Karen Kaye King

Karen Kaye Rawlings King, 78, peacefully passed away with her family by her side on December 30, 2021 in Mesa, Arizona. She was born in Mayfield Twp., Michigan, on her paternal grandparents’, Irwin and Lula Mae (Winchcomb) Rawlings, farm on November 25, 1943 to Elizabeth Caroline Fuller Cox Rawlings and Gerald Irwin Rawlings.

A graduate from Buckley High School, Karen married the love of her life, Richard Vernon King (Dick), a U.S. Army Veteran, on March 10, 1962. A lifelong learner and gregarious lady, Karen was very active in her life raising her girls, moving around the state of Michigan supporting Dick who served the Michigan State Police at posts in St. Clair, Bridgeport and lastly Reed City. She was active in Michigan State Police wives’ club, worked various jobs, the last as a receptionist/secretary for the Reed City Medical Practice for Drs. Norman Lincoln, Russell Anderson and Earl Williams for 18 years.

Karen and Dick enjoyed many hobbies and activities together including golfing, bowling, skiing, snowmobiling, fishing and hunting, later RV’ing across the country after retirement. They also built the family cabin and their dream home. Karen was a member of The Order of the Eastern Star, The Women of the Moose, The Daughters of the American Revolution, and supported many other organizations during winters in their Texas residence in Fulton Oaks Park, Fulton, Texas.

Karen is survived by her loving family – husband of nearly 60 years, Dick; daughters Marcy King and Kristin (David) Harris; grandchildren Brittney (Brian) Donoghue, Madelyn Harris, Sedona Harris and Jerrod Harris; siblings Betty Jean Lewis, Frank (Doris) Rawlings, James (Judy) Rawling; sibling-in-laws Robert King, David and Shirley King Wyllys, Barbara Rawlings (Donald); and many nieces and nephews.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents; stepfather, Amos Drake; father-in-law, Earl Carey King, mother-in-law, Katie Corrine Neighbors King; brother-in-laws, Ernest Walter King and Ronald Lewis, brothers, Donald Rawlings and Jack Rawlings; sister-in-laws, Donna Mae Pierce Rawlings and Juanita Newmarch King; nephews, Jon Rawlings, Sam Rawlings, nieces Cheryl Rawlings, Karel Rawlings Paul, Kendra Worthing, and many great friends.

Karen will be greatly missed by her family and many friends. A memorial service will be planned at a future date in Michigan

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.AdvantageMelcherRoses.com for the KING family.