Karen Newton left to be with her Heavenly Father on April 6th. If Saint Peter decides to open the gates, Karen will join her parents, Arthur and Gloria, as well as her brothers, Stephen and Bill.
Karen grew up in a large family in Highland Park, 1 of 8 children, and was a graduate of Durrett H.S. Karen spent much of her childhood at the L&N Golf Club where her parents were members. She claimed to be a terrific golfer though few actually saw her with a club in her hand. It was shortly after high school when she earned the nickname "Mean" Karen Jean. She had the unique ability to push the buttons of friends and family and was an expert "picker". All of which was done in good humor and love.
Speaking of love, Karen was a loving mother who somehow found the time to be an accomplished student at the University of Louisville having earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. You would never know that she was a UofL grad from looking at her closet though as she boasted a huge t-shirt collection of her beloved Kentucky Wildcats.
Karen put that degree to good use spending many years working in Purchasing for Henry Vogt Machine Company before retiring from a similar position at JC Moag Corp, A resident of Fairdale KY for over 20 years, she was an avid watcher of professional golf and tennis.
Karen Newton was recognized as one of just a handful of women to pick up a guy from the Timeout Lounge and not regret it. A blind date at the Louisville hot spot was life changing for Karen because that is where she met the love of her life, Michael. For the next 23 years they were seldom apart.
Karen and Michael enjoyed filling their house with family, including children Angela and Robert, as well as grandchildren Ethan, Andrew, Elijah, Robert Jr "RJ", and Cheyenne. She was particularly fond of her son-in-law Trey or Troy as she called him, which must be why she insisted that he write this obituary.
She is survived by Michael Thomas; children, Angela Vollmer Eckerle (Trey), Robert Vollmer (Danielle Clifford); grandchildren, Cheyenne, Ethan, Andrew, RJ, Elijah; siblings, David Newton (Donna), Denise Crowder (Ronnie), Susan Collins (PNut), Doug Newton, Kim Newton; sister-in-law, Karen Louise Newton; aunts and uncles, Barbara Bard, Paula Burns, Mark Beisler; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
