Karen Challender

It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Karen Leila Challender (Walker), on Sunday, September 13, 2020 in Fredericksburg, VA at the age of 66. Karen was predeceased by her husband, Johnny Laverne Challender, parents Gene and Skip Walker, and grandparents William and Thelma England and Tobe and Leila Walker.. She is survived by her daughter, Ronda (Eric) Brown, of Fredericksburg, VA, and three grand children, Zachary, Nicholas and Avery Brown. A son, Jess (Tim) Cornstubble, of Sanford, NC. A son, Michael G. Cornstubble (Cassi), of Homer, MI, and five grandchildren, Mckenzie Fitzgerald, Nikki and Mikie Cornstubble, and Gracielynn and Blakeleigh Hill. One Great Granddaughter, Aspen Fitzgerald. A son, Levi Sommers, of Fremont, IN, and two grandsons, Andrew and Marcus Sommers. A step-son, Anthony (Gina) Challender, of Potterville, MI, and three grandchildren, Hunter, Chase and Jaimie Challender. A step-son, Matthew Challender (Gretchen), of Mint Hill, NC. Karen is also survived by three sisters Suzanne (AJ) Rutledge of Pioneer, OH, Lori Bottoms (Bruce Woodard), of Broken Arrow, OK, and Sara (Frank) Greene, of Kokomo, IN. Karen was an immensely talented seamstress and artist. She was the creator and owner operator of Karens Kottage, where she hand-made custom fabric dolls for children for many years. One of her dolls was featured in the movie "Gone Baby Gone" as well as on the popular website Parents.com. One of Karen's greatest achievements was creating a "like disability" version of a doll for children who were suffering from life-altering disabilities and/or diseases. Karen was also an avid lover of animals. Karen loved oil painting mountain scenes, candle making, and taking long country drives. Karen enjoyed living in the beauty of Northern Michigan with her late husband John for the last 15 years. A private memorial is planned in October, where her cremated remains will be returned to Michigan and a memorial bench will be placed next to her parent's grave at the Sunset View Cemetery in Jonesville, MI. In lieu of flowers or cards, donations may be made in Karen's name to the American Cancer Society @ https://www.cancer.org/involved/donate/memorial-giving.html