Karen B. Hartrampf

Karen Baker Hartrampf, 71, of Atlanta, Georgia and Sarasota, Florida went to be with her Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ, on December 18, 2013. Karen was born on September 17, 1942 in Bronxville, New York, the firstborn of five children to the late Harry and Viola Baker. The Baker family moved to Atlanta in 1952, where father, Harry, founded WGKA Classical FM Radio (‘K’ for Karen) and Baker Audio. Karen is survived by her husband of 52 years, John A. Hartrampf, Sr., daughter and son-in-law, Lorelei and Mike Fischer, son and daughter-in-law, Jack and Christie Hartrampf, grandchildren, Kate, David and John Fischer, Leigh Anne, Claire and John Hartrampf, all of Atlanta. She is also survived by sisters, Diane Harwell and husband, Joseph, of Savannah, GA, Harriet Parker and husband, Robert, of Orlando, FL, Robin Dickson of St. Simons Island, GA, as well as sister-in-law, Kyoko Baker, of New York, NY. She also leaves brother and sister-in-law, Carl and Pat Hartrampf, of Atlanta, along with many beloved nieces and nephews. Karen was preceded in death by brother, David Baker and granddaughter, Caroline Hartrampf. Karen’s kind and generous spirit extended beyond her family and friends to everyone she met. She was most known for her ever adventurous and cheerful spirit, curiosity, quick wit, amazing writing skill, frugality and bargain hunting acumen. Karen and John enjoyed many worldwide travel adventures from which she brought home many interesting horticultural, geological and archeological specimens. Quite famous among family and friends are the detailed, witty and often borrowed personal travel diaries she kept of each and every trip. Karen was an avid gardener and a lover of history, particularly as it related to family histories and genealogy. Having found she was descended from American Patriot, Captain John Schenck, she joined and was an active member of the Sara De Soto Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution in Sarasota. She was also a lifetime member of the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary of Atlanta. Perhaps at the top of her list of loves was her volunteer tenure guiding Fox Theatre and Fairly Poplar District tours for the Atlanta Preservation Center, where she also served a brief term on the Board of Directors. She had the most fun guiding the curious groups of school children. Firmly believing Proverbs 3:27 and because of her love for Jesus Christ, Karen never withheld good to those whom it was due when it was in her power to do it. She leaves an incredible legacy of love, laughter and lives changed because of her goodness and the goodness of God. Friends are cordially invited to visit with the family Friday evening from six until eight o’clock at H. M. Patterson & Son Arlington Chapel. Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 21st at eleven o’clock also at Arlington Chapel. Interment will follow at Arlington Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to AMG International (Advancing the Ministries of the Gospel), AMGInternational.org; 800-251-7200 or the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary, SAWA, 1000 Center Place, Norcross, GA 30093.