Kari Jo Lien-Erdwins

KARI JO LIEN-ERDWINS September 23, 1964 ~ October 3, 2012 "To whom much is given, much is expected." Kari Lien-Erdwins, 48, of Washougal, WA, passed away of ovarian cancer on Wed., Oct. 3, 2012. She was at home surrounded by loved ones. She was born to Donna and Gale Lien on Sept. 23, 1964, in Oxnard, CA. As a young child, she moved with her family to Vancouver, WA. Kari graduated from Evergreen High School in 1983 where she excelled in academics, basketball, and softball. She graduated in 1987 from Western Washington University where she majored in psychology and earned her teaching degree. Kari valued education and later went on to earn a Masters degree. In 1988, Kari married her "knight in shining armor," Roy Erdwins. They recently celebrated their 24th wedding anniversary. Together they built their dream home with a beautiful view in Washougal and dedicated their lives to raising their two children, son Ryan (20), and daughter Rylee (13). Kari was a devoted teacher at Evergreen High School for 23 years. Her love and passion for history and social justice inspired students, by always challenging them to do something special with their one precious life. Throughout her life Kari referred to "The 5 Fs." These brought her the most joy: Family, Friends, Fun, Flowers, and Fire. An ideal day would include tending to her beautiful flowers, supporting her children's sporting events, hosting a BBQ for family and friends, and capping off the evening chatting around a roaring fire. Kari is survived by her husband, Roy; son, Ryan; daughter, Rylee; mother, Donna Lien of Vancouver; sister, Jodi (Greg) Larson of Amboy; niece, Amber; nephew, Brody; step-mother, Charlotte Lien-Dickerson of Vancouver; mother-in-law, Eileen Erdwins of Lebanon, OR; sister- in-law, Julie (Brad) Chaney of Gresham; numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins from Washington and North Dakota. She was preceded in death by her father, Gale Lien; and father-in-law, Henry Erdwins. Please join us in celebrating Kari's life on Sat., Oct. 13, at 11:00 a.m., at Grace Foursquare Church, 717 SE Everett Rd., Camas, WA, 98607. A graveside gathering will follow at Evergreen Memorial Gardens, 1101 NE 112th Ave., Vancouver, WA, 98684. To honor her love of flowers, sending floral arrangements to Grace Foursquare Church would be a wonderful tribute to Kari's life.

Kari Jo Lien-Erdwins

September 23, 1964 - October 3, 2012