Karen Louise Vines

March 16, 1951 – January 13, 2016

Karen Louise Vines, 64, passed away on Jan. 13, 2016 at Deaconess Hospital in Spokane, surrounded by her family. She entered eternal rest in Christ after a lengthy battle with Multiple Sclerosis.

Karen was born on March 16, 1951 to Robert and Jane Papst of Spokane, Wash. She spent a happy childhood in Spokane with her brothers, Steve and Greg, enjoying many weekends and vacations at the remote family cabin northwest of Newport. Karen graduated from North Central High School in Spokane, and attended Seattle Pacific University and Multnomah School of the Bible. On April 28, 1973, she married Douglas Vines. They later moved to Moses Lake, Wash., where they raised their two daughters.

Karen lived life to the fullest. Every holiday, no matter how minor, was a great opportunity to celebrate. She savored every moment spent with friends and family, and traveled to Spokane to visit as often as possible. Some of her favorite hobbies included gardening, sewing, and trying new recipes. Being a stay-at-home mom allowed her to spend much cherished time with her daughters, including them in her hobbies. She took her parenting responsibilities very seriously, imparting knowledge and wisdom from her experience and from the Bible. Karen’s faith in God helped prepare and sustain her when she was diagnosed with MS in her early 30s. She took every opportunity to tell others about Jesus. Despite deteriorating heath, Karen continued to volunteer at the Moses Lake Christian School, teach Sunday school at First Baptist Church of Moses Lake, and write letters of encouragement to prisoners. She will be greatly missed by all who were blessed to know her.

Karen is survived by her husband Doug Vines, daughters Amy (Jesse) Alvis and Sarah (Brent) Diebel, her brother Steve (Jean) Papst, sister-in-law Kari Papst, brother-in-law Steve (Joyce) Vines, six nieces, two nephews, and two grandchildren. In death, she joined her parents and brother, Greg.

A memorial service will be held on Jan. 30, 2016 at noon at the First Baptist Church of Moses Lake. A reception will follow. Her ashes will be buried alongside her parents and brother at the beloved family cabin.