Obituary of Karen L. Gist

Karen L. Gist July 20, 1951 – June 24, 2016 "You Left Us Too Soon" Karen, age 64, passed away unexpectedly but peacefully in her home on Wednesday evening. A Camas resident for the past 10 years, she was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister-in-law, and friend. Karen was born in Meridian, Texas, to Eugene Adkins of Missouri and Sarah Kizzire of Alabama. She grew up in Texas, where she met the love of her life and she of his Tom. After graduation from Texas Christian University, she joined her new husband as they moved across the country with the Air Force. Through their travels, Karen made close friends wherever they lived, including New Mexico, Colorado and Ohio. They later settled in Washington to be closer to family. Karen spent many years staying home with her three children before having a successful career using her Computer Science degree. She was active in her church choir and local community orchestra. But her gracious hospitality, her unfailing kindness, and her sweet contentment with life are what we will remember- and miss- the most. She is survived by her husband, Thomas; children Andrea, Stephanie, and Michael; grandchildren Phoebe, Eliot, and Cora; and numerous extended family members. A memorial service will be held at Vancouver First United Methodist Church at 2:00 pm, Sunday, July 3. The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to the American Cancer Society. Straub's Funeral Home & Columbia River Cremation is in charge of the arrangements. To send condolences or to sign the online guestbook please visit www.straubsfuneralhome.com.