Karen Marie Ruddy

Karen Marie (Balzer) Ruddy, 71, of Mesa passed peacefully with family by her side in Gilbert, AZ on June 12, 2014. Mrs. Ruddy was born on September 11, 1942 in Aberdeen, WA to loving parents Christopher and Evangeline Balzer. She attended St. Mary’s High School in Bismarck, ND. She married Paul Crimmins and to this union she had sons Jason Crimmins and Chad Crimmins. She later met and married James Ruddy and to this union was born, Heather Marie Kelly. She is preceded in death by father Christopher Balzer and eldest son Jason Crimmins. Karen was known for her cooking, nurturing personality and sense of humor. FAMILY was her most treasured possession. She was a survivor of breast cancer diagnosed in late 2008. She is survived by husband James Ruddy, son Chad Crimmins and his wife April, daughter Heather Marie Kelly;mom Evangeline Balzer; siblings Bev Shaner, Skip (Elaine) Balzer, Richard Balzer, Chris (Barb) Balzer, Mary Morgan and Corie (Eric) Atwood; three grandchildren, Christopher Crimmins, Sajaya Ruddy and Kenny Kelly. One great grandchild Ray Sanchez, Jr., and many loving nieces and nephews. Services will be held at 9:30AM, Thursday, June 19, 2014 at Green Acres Chapel of Light, 401 N Hayden Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85257