Karen Byington

Karen Byington, age 65, was born to William and Dorothy (Decker) Swift on December 16, 1960. She graduated from Maple Valley Highschool after which she attended Grand Rapids School of Bible and Music, then married her high school sweetheart Cliff Byington on August 7,1981.

Together they had four children. Kala (Jerald) Jones, Summer Leiby, Levi (Brittany) Byington, Susan (Tim) Collins, and 15 grandchildren. Karen is preceded in death by her parents and two grandsons.

To know Karen was to know a most gracious and gentle spirit. Her selfless and generous ways were exhibited in being the hands and feet of Jesus to so many. A gentle word was her solution to troubles that surfaced in her life. Her life was marked with compassion and understanding at every turn.

Karen’s sweet spot was tending her garden. Hours and hours of delight filled her soul with wonder.

Together with Cliff, her soul mate, the farm brought them endless joy and many friendships were formed through that venue.

Karen’s hope and steadfast faith were in Jesus. She has fought a good fight, run a fantastic race and now she is in that great cloud of witnesses cheering us on. She would say run to Jesus.

Karen will be laid to rest in Bowne Mennonite Cemetery, Clarksville, MI.