Karin Loise Kellas

Children: Donna Gayle, David Earl, Dyann Renee

Grandchildren: Michael, Alan, Douglas, Bridgett, Carin

Step Grand children: Jason, Stephanie, Shelly, Sandy, Mathew, Logan, Noah, Jariah, and Kyler

She was the First grandchild for Albert and Eloise Poleeson.

Parents: Seymana Jester and Carl Kellas

Siblings: John, Betsy, Tooter, Cathy, Nick

Born in Albuquerque, lived on east coast as a small child, west coast (New Mexico, Arizona, California, Idaho). Most recent in Phoenix and Glendale area for last 7 years.

Attended College and loved and wanted so much to earn her degree. Volunteered with the polling voting for several years, Served on the American Indian Disability Summit Planning Committee for five years. In 2010, she was appointed Commissioner on the Mayor’s Commission on Persons with Disabilities for the City of Glendale, Participant in the ABIL Peer Mentor Program in October 2006. Over the years she has worked with many mentees in nursing homes and assisted living facilities, helping them reach their own independent living goals. She was name ABIL volunteer of the year for 2006.

In 2011, Karin was hired through an AmeriCorps partner with Area Agency on Aging, to assist persons with disabilities in finding an advocate, accessing peer support through ABIL and other programs, and assisting individuals in completing and filing required applications for various benefits programs and voter registration.

Earlier this year Karin was appointed to the Phoenix Mayors Commission on Disability Issues and she joined the Statewide Independent Living Council to further advocate for people with disabilities.

She received recognition for her contribution and dedicated service on the Commission on Persons with Disability for 2010 – 2012.

Karin helped her parents with her siblings – she was very protective of all children and everyone she met. Very strong willed no matter what the situation was she could turn it around and make it positive. Free Spirited, Independent and opinionated. She was extremely proud of her children and grandchildren and they were her world. Very approachable, always willing to lend an ear and provide a shoulder, made friends easily, and was an inspiration to others. There is Always Hope.

Loved the Lord of the Rings Trilogy and Hobbit Movies.

Hobbies included: Fishing, Camping, Crochet, her plants, Casino and Bingo if she got a chance.

Visitiation will be from 10-11 AM, Tuesday, October 15, 2013 wtih the Memorial Service beginning at 1:00 AM at Surprise Funeral Care, 16063 W. Bell Rd., Surprise, AZ, 85374 (623) 546-8002.