Karen Anita Pendleton passed away in Fresno, California on October 6, 2019 at the age of 73. The youngest of three children, she was born in Glendale, California on August 1, 1946 to Herbert and Mildred Pendleton. Karen touched many lives as an original Mouseketeer on Disney’s Mickey Mouse Club. Her fellow Mouseketeers remained lifelong friends.
The greatest joys of Karen’s life were her daughter Staci Bletscher, Staci’s husband Eric, and her grandsons Luke and Griffin. She enjoyed following her grandson’s athletic events and sharing her passion of all things football with “all three of her boys”, as she referred to them. Karen loved Eric as her own son. “Mimi” cherished every moment with Staci and her family and loved them beyond measure.
Karen was raised in North Hollywood and moved to Fresno in 1976. In 1983, she sustained a spinal cord injury, but never let that stop her from living life to the fullest. Karen faced many obstacles but always remained positive. She used her personal experience to become an advocate for others with disabilities.
Karen enjoyed and appreciated her friends and shared monthly lunches with many of them. She had a special way of engaging people with her dry humor and keen interest in others. Karen was also blessed with caregivers whom she loved like family.
Her beloved Los Angeles Rams remained her team throughout her life. Anyone who knew Karen will remember her love and loyalty for her childhood hometown team.
Karen will be remembered for the strength she showed in the face of adversity, the joy she brought to others, and her love for the Los Angeles Rams.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Monday, October 14, 2019, 11:00 a.m. at Stephens and Bean Funeral Chapel.
