Karen Marie (Wilder) Thatcher

Karen Marie Thatcher was born into this world on September 28, 1944, and left it a better place on January 18, 2019 at the age of 74. She is survived by her children, Shelley (Robert) Inlow, Doug (Angela) Thatcher, Tim (Utalcia) Thatcher; her grandchildren, Timberlee (Brock) Harris, Anthony Myers (Marla Nelson), Heather Thatcher, Charles Thatcher, Andrea (Dean) Laywell, Shad Dailey, Jacob Dailey, and her five great-grandchildren; her siblings, Ruth Thompson, Molly Morris, Tim (Dee) Wilder, Patty Smallwood (Mark Gray), Frank Wilder (Maria Yates), and Judy (Ronnie) Miller; as well as her many nieces and nephews. Karen was very dedicated to her family. Together, they experienced many joys and overcame many hardships. She loved reminiscing about the good memories and laughing about the trouble they managed to create along the way.

Karen was always well-liked by those around her, whether it was when she was prom queen while attending Amanda Clearcreek High School, “Queen of Produce” at Big Bear, or simply chatting away while shopping for groceries. Her warm smile, quick wit, and down-to-earth personality lit up the room and had a wonderful way of making others feel accepted and welcomed. She was genuine and never pretended to be anything other than who she was. She said you could like her just the way she was or not at all. If it was the latter, she made it clear that it was your loss, not hers. She wasn’t ever afraid to speak her mind or stand up for what she felt was right. 

She was compassionate, thoughtful, and generous—always eager to help and ease a burden however she could, which was most often with a listening ear, supportive words, and a home-cooked meal. Anyone who was fortunate enough to taste her homemade noodles, liver and onions, spam and potatoes, tuna noodle casserole, homemade pizzas, vegetable soup, or chili (among many others) will not soon forget her skills in the kitchen. Family and friends also looked forward to batches of fudge every holiday season. 

In addition to cooking, she was a talented (and humble) artist. She drew for her class journals, Little Miss Pumpkin Show signs, and other projects throughout the years. She was creative in a multitude of ways, including crocheting beautiful afghans that continue to keep her loved ones warm. If you needed something sewn or mended, she was the one to go to. It was her creative mind that allowed her to notice and take pleasure in the simple joys in life. She was always quick to point out pictures in the clouds, colorful sunsets, uniquely-shaped trees, or patterns in unusual places. She lived her life with her beloved praying hands hanging around her neck, the Serenity Prayer on her lips, a cup of black coffee in her hand, and love in her heart. 

Though her health declined, she remained stubborn and strong-willed right up to her last day. She passed peacefully in her sleep, and though she did not wake again in this realm, it can be hoped that she woke happily in the next to greetings from loved ones lost, including her mother and father, Elizabeth and Bud Wilder; her husband, Clyde; and many canine companions. 

As for the loved ones she left behind, she touched their lives so deeply that her memory will burn brightly in their hearts until they meet again. It always feels like the person is gone too soon when they are so loved, but as Winnie the Pooh said, “How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, January 24, 2019 at 2:00 P.M. at the Wellman Funeral Home, Circleville with Chaplain Jim Ferrell officiating.  Burial will be in Green Summit Cemetery.  Friends may call at the funeral home on Wednesday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.

Online condolences can be made to www.wellmanfuneralhomes.com.

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