Kareen Frances (Paske) Bennett

Kareen Frances (Paske) Bennett, 42, was born July 1, 1970 in Anchorage, Alaska, to Charles H. and Terri Ann (Trott) Paske on a beautiful summer day when the Fireweed was in full bloom.

She attained a final victory over cancer before the sun rose on Saturday, May 4, 2013, to walk into the arms of Christ and the glory of Heaven, to be forever at peace.

Kari was always proud that she grew up in a military family and enjoyed the experience of living and traveling across the U.S. and overseas. She shared this exciting life with her best friends; her sisters, Jeni and Anne and her brother Mike. Her love of music was life long and evident when after she graduated from high school (Grayslake, IL '88) she attended college on music scholarships in IL, MT and WA. She graduated with honors at Central Washington University (CWU), with a degree in music education. CWU is where she met James, the love of her life. It was a marriage defined by music and a love for God. Their first date was attending Les Miserables in Spokane and their last date was watching Les Miserables in the theatres.

She had three passions in life; God, her family, and her teaching through music. She happily pursued them all until the end of her days.

She has left an empty place in the hearts of her family and friends, but the impact she made on the lives she touched will last forever. She not only delighted in, but also excelled in the role of wife and mom.

From a very early age she was steadfast in her love of the Lord and the last seven months she always gave praise to God for His provisions and grace. Her grace and courage inspired us to never give up and always trust in Christ, the author and finisher of her faith.

We are forever grateful to the many people that have helped the family through acts of love, caring and prayer. Kari would want us to thank the caregivers that she encountered the last months; especially at the CBHO Cancer Center (Marlene, Diane & Stephanie).

She is survived by her beloved husband James D. Bennett, and cherished children Abigail, Daniel and Selah, of Pasco, WA; loving parents Charles and Terri Paske of Helena, MT; best friends ever; sister Anne (DJ) Greaney and children Gareth, Connor, Caitlin and Alaina of Helena, MT; and brother Michael Paske and his sons Tyler and Noah of W. Springfield, MA; aunts and uncles, Susan (John) Donohue of Big Lake, Alaska, Frances (Ken) Hoversland, of Scobey, MT; Roni (Ray) Hamby, of Kenai, AK, William (Sheila) Paske, of Missouri City, TX, Carol (Richard) Huff, of Franklin, TX, and Jim (Debbie) Paske, of Gig Harbor, WA. In-Laws; Tom (Maryann) Bennett, Moses Lake, WA, Carol (Doug) Martin, Everett, WA; brothers and sisters-in-law David (Evgenia) Bennett, Bob (Linda) Bennett, Michelle Bennett, Tiffany (Antonio) Bennett Carrillo, their children, and numerous cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by sister, Jennifer H. Paske, maternal grandparents, Richard T. and Helen R. (Calkins) Trott; fraternal grandparents, Charles H. and Marjorie A. (Signs) Paske; and maternal aunt Joan H. Henninger.

"So you have sorrow now, but I will see you again; then you will rejoice, and no one can rob you of that joy." John 16:22

Memorial service is Wednesday May 8 at 1:30 p.m. at First Family Baptist Church, Richland, WA. Burial will be Friday, May 10 at 1:00 p.m. at Forestvale Cemetery, Helena, MT.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to the College Fund for Kari's children, Tri-Cities Cancer Center, Gideon's International, or First Family Baptist Church of Richland. To offer condolences to Kareen's family or to share a memory of Kareen, please visit the online Guest Book at www.einansfuneralhome.com. Services are under the direction of Einan's Funeral Home, Richland, WA.