Karen Lynn Barnes

Karen Lynn Barnes, 87, was born in Seattle to Bill and Marion Dettman in 1938  and passed away peacefully in Ephrata, Wash., on Oct. 19.  

A graduate of Ballard High School, she spent more than a decade as an educator in the Edmonds School District, where she helped students with special needs to imagine, explore and excel.

Karen was preceded in death by her husband and “one great love,” Johnny Barnes, and by their daughter Lorrie Michelle, who died at age three — a loss she carried with her always.

She is survived by her sons, Ken and Kevin; five grandchildren; and thirteen great-grandchildren. In 2017, she moved from Lynnwood, Wash. to Ephrata and lived there independently until the end, with the support of her family.  

Together, Karen and Johnny shared a love of travel — especially to Hawaii, winters in Arizona, and many memorable family trips to Disneyland.  

Christmas was Karen’s season — she planned for it months in advance and brought lots of energy (and high expectations) to her most favorite holiday — which family members recall as equal parts endurance test and joyful holiday.

For more than sixty years, Karen supported charities including the March of Dimes, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center and the American Heart and Lung Associations. 

In keeping with her wishes, no formal service will be held; a private family gathering will be held in celebration of her life. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the organizations she supported. 

Small in stature but large in presence, Karen had a gift for planning and a firm opinion on how things ought to go. She will be remembered for her independence, determination and the kind of strong will that both inspired and tested the mettle of those who loved her.  
She kept everyone on their toes — and she wouldn’t have had it any other way.

Please express your thoughts and memories for the family at https://bit.ly/KLBARNES.