Karen Muriel Shears

Karen marched into this world on August 10, 1943, in Oregon City, OR. On June 6, 1959, she married the love of her life, Richard Shears and they eventually settled in Spokane, WA to raise their 6 children together. Karen worked hard, first in housekeeping at The Clinic Center Motel, then in Environmental Services at Holy Family Hospital until her retirement, but she played even harder with her family and friends. Dates at the casino with her husband were a frequent enjoyment after Karen retired.

Karen had a lifelong passion for bowling, playing in numerous leagues over the years and kicking butt, often with her children and grandchildren. She was also a voracious reader, with a collection of Stephen King, Dean Koontz, and Nora Roberts that rivaled some libraries. She was unwilling to switch to an E-book, stating that she loved the smell and feel of her real books so it wasn’t hard to find stacks of them placed strategically all over her house. If you tripped it was your own fault.

She grew up wrestling with her 3 little brothers, becoming so good at it that she remains undefeated to this day by her kids or grandkids at the lake. Quick with a comeback and unafraid to tell it like it is, Karen brought a lot of laughs and joys to everyone around her.

Karen was preceded in death by her mother, Eleanor VanTuyl, her brother, Dennis VanTuyl, and her loving son, Keith Shears.

Karen is survived by her husband of 61 years, Richard, her brothers Cliff and Gary VanTuyl, and her children Carrie (Garry) Rawley, Connie Ward, Kurt (Jan) Shears, Michael Shears, and Dustin Shears. She also leaves behind her grandchildren, Wendy (Ray), Nathan, Dominic, Amanda(Andy), Candy (Billy), Krystal, Kimmie (Jayson), Suzi, Jessee, Dalton (Stephanie), Rayanne (Cody), Kelsey (Andrew), Collin, Adam (Tina), Brock, Ashley, Josh (Tish), Michael Jr, and numerous great-grandchildren that loved her dearly.

The family would like to thank Kindred At Home and Kindred Hospice for the wonderful care they provided these past few months. We would also like to thank our very special "bonus" family for helping us keep her comfortable as she prepared to move on; Niki Phillips, Jenny Weber, and Nicole Hilland.

Services will be announced at a later date.

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