Karolee Ann Macha

Karolee Ann Macha, 64, of Beaverton, Oregon, left this world on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, after an almost two-year battle with ALS, joining her beloved dad, Paul, and sister, Shelley in Heaven. Her courage, grace, humor, and steadfast love were constant companions through every step of that journey.

Born in Jerome, Idaho on June 3, 1961, Karolee was the cherished daughter of Robert Lewin and Alene Sharon (Wilson) Lewin. When her mother later married Paul L. Jones in 1965, the family moved to Portland, Oregon.

In 1966, the Jones family purchased the Jones Funny Farm, a place of peace, adventure, and love where Karolee and her five siblings learned the value of hard work, life lessons, and the joy of the outdoors. Long days were filled with chores like feeding calves, mucking the pig pen and chicken coops, gathering eggs, and guiding ducks and geese into the barn at night. For Karolee, the farm’s horses were a lifelong passion; she rode from sunup to sundown, often bringing the cows down from the upper pasture. Fruit and nut trees along with an abundant garden filled a home where the family grew most of their own food.

Karolee learned canning, baking, and cooking at her mother’s side. If you were lucky enough to enjoy her homemade chicken pot pie, you will never forget it. Her mom called her “little Nell,” a tender nod to the many times she stayed inside to help when others went out to play; later, Karolee said she treasured those moments because alone time with her mom was rare in a bustling home of six children.

More than forty years ago, Karolee’s sister Paula bestowed the nickname “Grit”- and it stuck. Through life, and especially during her courageous battle with ALS, Karolee embodied grit’s true meaning: determination and courage to push through any obstacle with passion and perseverance. Over time, “Grit” became “Gritty,” a term of endearment, and later “Groogle,” a playful tribute to her remarkable intelligence and memory—because when Karolee knew something, you didn’t need to “Google” it.

Karolee had an adventurous spirit. She found joy in walks on the beach, camping, hiking, fishing, bike riding, chanterelle mushroom hunting, and wine tasting across Washington, Oregon, and California. Her gardening skills were exceptional, and she always kept her yard and gardens in perfect condition. Wherever she went, she brought curiosity, laughter, and a heartfelt appreciation for the beauty of the world around her.

Home was also a canvas for Karolee’s creativity. Inspired by HGTV and guided by her keen eye, she helped lead a major kitchen remodel in her and Andy’s home in Hockinson, Washington. She learned practical skills from her dad; mending fences, trimming fruit trees, tending animals, mastering tractors and stick shifts, and keeping equipment and vehicles running. These hands-on lessons became a language of love and capability she fostered and graciously shared throughout her lifetime.

Karolee attended St. Pius X grade school from first through eighth grade, Cedar Park Middle School for ninth grade, and Sunset High School. She later earned her Associate’s degree at Clark College along with a certificate in Accounting; a reflection of her diligence and attention to detail.

Professionally, Karolee worked a variety of roles, but found special joy in running a one-person operation at a dental supply distribution warehouse in Vancouver, Washington. Her earlier jobs ranged from berry picking and tossing pizza at Chico’s Pizza to positions in data centers at Poorman Douglas and American Data, Rocky’s Pizza, accounting roles at Bank of America, Security Pacific, and Market Transport, and administrative support for Beaverton Oral Surgeons and Metro Regional Government. No matter what the job, she brought consistency, humor, and pride in doing things well.

Heaven gained a special angel on December 10th. We will miss Karolee’s kind heart, dry and witty sense of humor, and fiercely protective presence. She was thoughtful and generous; there was nothing she wouldn’t do for her family, often choosing to take a backseat to others’ desires. She often said her children were her proudest achievement. She loved them without condition, and took great joy in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whom she cherished deeply. To know her was to love her; to be loved by her was a gift.

Karolee is survived by her husband of 38 years, Andrew John Macha; daughter Diana Lee Macha (Jerry Taylor); son Mitchell Shane Macha (Talia); her squirrel-chasing dog Preston; mother Alene Sharon Jones; sisters Patsy Hess (Lewis) and Paula K. Jones (Carrie); brothers Russell Jones (Donna) and Timothy Jones (Gina); grandchildren Kaylee Hasart (Shane), Madison Taylor, Cohen Taylor, Brooks Macha, and Henley Macha; and great-grandchildren Evangeline and Reed Hasart. She is also lovingly remembered by nieces and nephews, Ryan Thorpe, Lisa Hess (Amy Padilla), Melissa Hess, Mandy Hess (Rigo Ruiz), Jacob Jones, Ryan Jones, and Gianna Jones as well as several great-nieces and nephews, Cloie Rosas, Alexander Rosas, Mia Rosas, Antonio Palacios Hess, Khalioni Hess, and Cairo Ruiz.

She was preceded in death by her beloved dad, Paul L. Jones; sister Shelley M. Jones; niece Sarah Michelle Casselman and nephew Marcus Paul Casselman, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and many friends.

A Catholic Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, January 16, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church, Battle Ground, Washington. A memorial reception will follow in the Church Hall, where a slideshow honoring our dear Karolee will be shared. All who loved her are warmly invited to attend and celebrate her extraordinary life. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to ALS Northwest in Karolee’s name. This amazing organization provided incredible support as we navigated this horrific disease.

A Closing Blessing

May the roads she walked be gentle,

the skies she loved forever wide.

May we carry her grace in our footsteps,

and her laughter at our side.