Karen Town Obituary

Karen K. Town

Karen K. Town, 71, of Findlay, passed away Tuesday afternoon, March 26, 2024, at Bridge Hospice Care Center, Findlay.

Karen was born Aug. 22, 1952, in Hamilton, to Walter and Grace (Weatherwax) Wise. In 1954, Karen was blessed with the birth of her sister, Colleen, who was her best friend and favorite rival. In 1970, Karen graduated from Hamilton City Schools and in 1975, she graduated from Miami University with a Bachelor of Science in Education. Karen then worked for Edgewood Public Schools. Also in 1975, Karen was fixed-up on a date with James Town while she was temping at Champion International. After spending every day together after their first date, Karen and Jim married March 13, 1976. Karen and Jim soon had two sons, Jeffrey and Jonathan Town, born three years apart to the day. Karen stayed active in Hamilton, raising the boys and participating in local art organizations.

In 1981, the family moved to Arlington, Texas, where she worked for Arlington City Schools and was active in Fitzgerald Elementary PTA, Arlington City PTA, and Texas PTA in leadership positions. Karen was also active in Arlington Newcomers Club and activities holding positions on the board including president and proudly established annual social events of a Christmas Ornament Exchange and a Bunco Tournament. Karen enjoyed traveling around Texas and trips to and from Ohio visiting various highlights of the United States along the way. In 1981, the family moved to Findlay due to Jim's work with Marathon Oil Co. Karen then worked for Findlay City Schools until retiring in 2012. Karen was involved with Glenwood PTO and arts and crafts, continuing the ornament exchange and Bunco Tournament.

Karen and Jim made many great friends in Findlay who became extended family over the years. In 2001, Karen became a grandmother for the first time to Jon's son, Shain Town, and then a second time in 2003 to Jon's daughter, Hailey Town. Karen's favorite pastime was sewing, including creating machine embroidery clothing and decor. She loved traveling, especially road trips and cruises to Chicago, Hawaii, Alaska, Boston, Florida, the Caribbean, and Panama Canal.

Karen is survived by her husband, James; sons, Jeffrey and Jonathan (Nora Keeran); grandchildren, Shain and Hailey Town; sister, Colleen (Craig) Rogers; nieces, Stephanie Rogers and Kimberly (Neil) Keating; grandniece, Madeline; nephew, Kyle Rogers (Emily Pantuso); and brothers-in-law, Jack Richard, Daniel, Timothy, and Kenneth, and their spouses, children, and grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Grace Wise; in-laws, Everett and Christina Town; brothers-in-law, Robert and William and his wife, Terry; and sister-in-law, Donna Jent and her husband, Mark.

Visitation will be 3-6 p.m. Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at Coldren-Crates Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Cancer Patient Services of Hancock County, Armes Cancer Center, or Bridge Home Health & Hospice, all of whom treated Karen with kindness and care in the twilight year of her life.

Online condolences may be sent to www.coldrencrates.com.