Rest in peace and eternal light, Karen.  While this world is diminished by your passing, Heaven was enriched by your arrival.

Dear Karen,
The world would be a better place with your smile, laughter and love.
Chris

Tom, 

Jill and I keep you and Karen in our  thoughts and prayers, but especially today. 
 
It is our sincere hope that things are starting to get better after your terrible loss.  

They say that time heals all wounds, and that may be true, but they don't say anything about healing a broken heart.  We hope that heals as well.

With continued sympathy,

Bob and Jill Wilke

I first met Karen, 48 yrs ago , at MSU. We both lived on 4th floor Rather Hall
.There we found a group of friends we made for life. Karen was the shining light with her gorgeous ginger hair and that smile that could melt your heart. It seems like every time I would speak to her, no matter the span between calls, we would automatically slip right back where we left off. It is a comforting to know that I have so many women in my corner.
The collage below represent some of my favorite memories with Karen
Karen and me playing in that silly little tree outside Rather. We giggled, and talked. I imagine it is quite a bit larger now! The next two are of our camping trip to John Pennekamp State Park in the Keys for spring break. We all got sunburned, chewed up by bugs but we just didn't care. the house is the one some of us lived in on Spartan Ave. There are a lot of memories from that part of my life and Karen was in almost all of them. The final pictures are of Karen as a bridesmaid at my wedding.  The first is Karen trying to get into the church without getting blown away. The last is Karen waltzing with my Dad.  Which somehow is the last picture in my wedding album! No picture of my Dad waltzing with me. We had a really good laugh about that.
Karen was my friend, my roommate and a sister of my heart. She was a beautiful creature of God. Put on this earth to give us calm, hope, joy and most of all love. I have been struggling , I find myself becoming nostalgic and  a piece of my heart is missing. But I know that my friend is at peace. Although for those of us left, her memory will always be in our hearts and minds. The world is a bit dimmer without her in it. I will love you always and forever.


Karen always provided safety to me. When I was a kid I LOVED going to Michigan because it meant I was staying with Karen & Tom. 
I thrived at their house with all the family around. 
It felt like more of a home to me than I would understand until much later when I could truly process that safe feeling Karen always provided. 
Even as a 40 something year old - her phone number is the only one I still have memorized. I used to tell her it was for that one call when I got arrested… thankfully that never happened. 
I’m not sure if it’s fully hit me yet that she’s gone… or that my safe place is too. 
I’ll continue to listen to her last voice mail & remember her laugh and her smile. 
Miss you Karen… 

Jill and I just learned of the passing of Karen Rutherford and we are stunned and terribly saddened at her loss.  

I believe that Jill and I had only met Karen when she and Tom hosted the first TIP company Christmas party at their home.  

The event was perfect to say the least and it wasobvious that everything was put together with much forethought and care.

From the first moment, we knew that Karen was an extraordinary person.  She exuded warmth and friendship and made you feel as if you had been her friend forever.

Tom, we are so sorry for your loss.  I don't know how to adequately express how much our hearts truly ache for you, especially after reading your loving tribute to Karen.

May the Lord look after you, Karen's family and all of your wonderful friends during this incredibly difficult time.  

And may Karen live on forever in the peace and perpetual light of our Lord. 
  

My children and I were so fortunate to have Aunt Karen in our lives. She was a constant source of support, encouragement, laughter, and joy. My brother and I grew up knowing just how much she loved us and that tradition continued with my girls. Our lives were made better because we had Aunt Karen and Uncle Tommy. 
So many of our family traditions revolve around Aunt Karen and Uncle Tommy’s house. They have always so generously hosted us all and we have so many memories of delicious food and pure happiness. If you wanted to know where Aunt Karen was all you needed to do was listen for the kids roaring laughter. She was the instigator of fun in the very best way. 
Aunt Karen’s cha-cha dance moves, smile, and listening ear will be forever missed. She will live on in our hearts and in our memories. 
Uncle Tommy we love you. 
Samantha (Sweetpea), Matt, Eleanor, Maggie, Vivi, and baby 

Karen will be remembered for many things and by many people. The example she left for others is an inspiration to her family and her friends. Her kindness, courage, and generosity of spirit made the world a better place. May she live in our hearts forever.
Peace to all,
Marilee Zdenek (Tamara Rutherford's mother)

Time with Karen was always filled with the best stories, lots of laughter, and delivered with her whole heart dazzling us.  She had a lifetime of walking on water helping others.  And for us, she lives vibrantly in our memories.  
Mary Oliver wrote, ”Maybe death isn't darkness after all, but so much light wrapping itself around us like soft feathers.” 
We love you.
Jeff & Tamara Rutherford 

My friend Karen was one of the kindest and caring people I know.  She was bubbly, fun, and honest. She cared so much about other people, even when she was dealing with her brain cancer.   54 years of our wonderful friendship feels like family.  Our hearts are broken beyond words.  I am so grateful for our years of never ending friendship and hope she knew what she meant to me.   I will always have our memories and I will miss her forever.


I had the privilege of working with Karen on some Assistance League projects. I will remember her when I see a butterfly because she touched my heart and left me with a sense of being visited by beauty. My condolences to the family. 
Barb

My heart is broken...Karen was such a special friend To me...she always had an infectious smile that lit up any room and her compassion made her a wonderful nurse...your smile and hugs will never be forgotten...so very sorry for your loss, Tom and family...our loss is Heaven's gain💔

Tom,  my thoughts and prayers and with you and Karen’s family.  Karen always made me feel special....like she knew me...even though we only met a couple of times.  I am so sorry for your loss. May you find peace and comfort in your memories of beautiful Karen.  Francine 

There aren’t words to fully express the heartbreak we feel with the untimely passing of Karen Anne.  Karen so loved and cherished her family and friends, enjoying every moment of life, always looking forward to every day and whatever adventure might be in store.  We will miss her spirit, her attitude and her endless generosity.
Karen was diagnosed with cancerous brain tumors last October, and against long odds she immediately began aggressive radiation and chemotherapy treatments.  She fought a valiant fight showing amazing courage and strength, and while sadly she lost the physical battle against the most virulent form of brain cancer there is, she clearly won the spiritual battle - she never, ever quit.
Over the last few months we have enjoyed the love and support of our family and amazing friends; the Rochester Gang, the Pot Luck Group, the MSU Crew, The Villages People, the Crestmark crew, our wonderful neighbors and the amazing members of Assistance League.  Your love, endless acts of kindness and encouragement helped us through a hectic, emotional and fragile period of time.  Words can’t fully express our appreciation for all your support, we are truly blessed to have such a wonderful group of angels looking over us!  On behalf of Karen and me, we love you and sincerely thank you!  
And finally to my Karen Anne, over the last 41 years there wasn’t a day that I didn’t feel your love and enjoy your spirit. Even over the last couple of months when we sensed a possibility that things may not go as planned, your courage and positive attitude helped us get through those low moments.  I still find it hard to believe that you’re gone, but just know your spirit and memories will never leave me.  I love you Karen Anne, and I miss you so.  Forever, your Tommy Boy…


Will miss all our fun times together!  Love you Karen💕

We have such heavy hearts at the loss of our dear friend, Karen. We also can't help smiling as we remember 30+ years of Pot Luck get togethers, vacations, and spontaneous gatherings! Karen was the most positive, fun loving, caring person, who always had something kind to say about everyone. You are dearly missed and we promise to stay close to the love of your life, Tom.
Gary & Nina Ward

Karen was such a wonderful, caring lady. I delighted knowing her and visiting with her while attending local events.  Her contributions to our community and warm personality were always appreciated.. She will be missed dearly.
Am confident that her dear friend, Carol Kirken met her in heaven with a hug.

Where and how do we begin to express how heartbroken we are.  We met many years ago and when our first son Kyle was born. As a nurse, Karen made sure she was there to support me after his delivery.  We had many common friends which began a very close friendship with five other couples that has spanned more than 30 years.  We call ourselves the Pot Luck Group because we always took turns hosting dinners at our homes.  We have so many fond memories of vacationing, laughing, dancing and Karen always brought that smile and joy with her.  While she may not be with us physically, she will always be with us spiritually.   We found an epigram that so fits how we feel about Karen and Tom.  “From the first time we meet them, the souls of some people just sing to our own. The lyrics stay with us long after they’ve left, and we carry to our graves the unforgettable sweet tune.”.  We will miss you Karen.  Our heartfelt condolences to Tom and Karen’s entire family. Love, Deb and Art XO

My deepest condolences are offered to everyone’s life that this beautiful woman, Karen, touched ❤️ Karen’s beautiful red hair, her infectious smile and laughter drew me in and she was one of the first, of many, new friends that I made for a lifetime at Sacred Heart in Rolling Meadows . She may have left after only one year but to all of us who knew her, we consider her a Sister of SHM for life💙

Karen you darling girl.....
Even though it has been years on years since we have seen one another,, our time at Sacred Heart Of Mary HS, along with SO many girls that truly loved you and tied our hearts together forever, forever. 
We are and will be forever, be Sisters of the heart.
These past days,  your beautiful smile and gorgeous hair is vividly in my mind.  Rest In Peace darling girl.
You are loved and sincerely missed.
Love, Lea Welky ~ Sayles  


One of the nicest, sweetest ladies I have ever known. She was always about lending a helping hand and a wise word. We shared a name and back to back birthdays! Heaven's gain, our loss. Prayers to her family.

Karen snd I were close friends for over twenty years.  We would always celebrate our birthdays, along with another friend, every single year. If we were at a local restaurant, someone would always stop by the table. I swear she knew everyone!
She had a contagious laugh and was one of the most compassionate people I have ever know. If someone needed help, Karen would  be there for them.
I will miss her terribly. 
Our condolences to her entire family.

Karen has touched my life and for that I am grateful.  Tom, may you feel the support of friends who share in your loss and the power of prayer which is intended to give you strength in His loving arms.  Sincere sympathy to you and the family. 

We will miss Karen so much. She will forever leave an imprint on our hearts. We love you Tom and Karen. Rob and Sue

What a beautiful soul you are Karen. A pleasure to have shared some precious moments together over these last few years. Your memory brings joy to my heart. Thanks!

OBITUARY

Karen Anne Rutherford

April 25, 1954 – February 6, 2021

Pixley Funeral Home

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