Karen Garretson

Karen Sue Garretson, born September 20, 1960, passed away unexpectedly on Monday January 24, 2022.
Karen, I don't think you had any idea of the impact you had on so many lives. But we know that today you are with Jesus finally getting to hold your baby granddaughter Mckenzie, and celebrating the reunion with your sister Denise and your "Mommy & Daddy". That pain and grief you held in your heart missing them has been replaced today with the joy and celebration of your reunion with them.
You were a faithful and devoted wife to Bill for 43 years. It was an inspiration to witness the longevity and devotion in your marriage in this day and age. You two were inseparable. You were Bill's greatest friend, lover, fire-pit chat partner, yard sale buddy and fishing companion. His loss is immeasurable. Your love for your two sons Tim and Steven were undeniable. You would go to war with anyone that stood against them. If you never heard Karen talk about her grandbabies then you didn't know Karen! They were her life! Karen took such pride in her home wherever she lived, always giving it that Karen flare and talent for decorating that she possessed. She was so talented with her ideas! Karen LOVED the sunshine, warm air and sand on her toes and never could understand what she was doing living in Ohio!
Karen loved deep, she was loyal to those she loved, she was the greatest at being a friend, and she was the strongest "old broad" I've ever known! She didn't care about what anyone thought of her, she just lived her life to be happy and do the things that brought her joy!
Karen was born in Port Clinton, Ohio but lived most of her life in the Summit/Portage County areas.
She is preceded in death by her parents Herman and Betty Cook from Port Clinton, OH, sister Denise (Mitch) Conners from Oak Harbor, and beloved granddaughter McKenzie Rose Garretson.
She leaves her husband of 43 yrs William (Bill) Garretson of Springfield Township, sons; Timothy (Maria) Garretson of Tarpon Springs, Fla. and Steven (Danielle) Garretson of Green, Ohio. Of course, the beat of her heart began and ended with her grandbabies who lovingly referred to her as Memaw; Lillian "Lillybug" , Dominic, Colton (Colty) Brantley, and Hunter. She is also survived by sisters, Kathy (Eric) O'Brien of Oak Harbor, Donna (Mark) Szymanowski of Freemont, Ohio and "adopted" sister and bestie Gail Schott of Akron, Ohio. In addition, she had many nieces and nephews she loved dearly.
Karen you are so very much loved and will be deeply missed by many.
At Karens request there will be no funeral service. There will be a private family gathering in the spring to celebrate her life in the way she requested, on a beach in Clearwater Fla. She loved to plant and grow flowers so in lieu of flowers, you could plant a tree or flowers in her memory or you could donate to a Pediatrics Cancer Research in honor of her granddaughter Mckenzie Rose Garretson.